But I figured you meant that maybe the property was in bad condition, but the loan terms themselves weren't bad. 

Purchase price: $850,000 Cash invested: $15,000 Bought on owner financing on a 5 yr term.

All that said...if you're not confident you can get at least 1.5x your LT rents as an MTR, I think I might go with long term but skip the management company and DIY. 

Can refi an existing mortgage to a shorter term “Mini Mortgage.”Navy Federal 80% LTVNorway Savings Bank, MaineOmaha MortgageOregonians CU - ORPenFed max 3 other properties, including primary. 80% LTV, prime + 1%, <4 properties.

The more I read, the more convinced I am that Google/SEO is the best long-term strategy for getting quality, consistent leads.

Doesn't seem like it's a great "hold" on the short term but I do think it would appreciate and would increase in cashflow with how you described it and the layout.

- Taxes: If I invest as an individual, would I get the tax benefits of investing directly in RE (owning a SFH for e.g.) or are the dividends taxed as ordinary income?

I bought a house in Dallas for short-term rental.

Make sure it explicitly explains the process for termination if you are unhappy with their services, especially if they violate the terms of your agreement.3.

For the house to be vacant for almost a year, I think she must not be well or be under some kind of stress, so I feel like by coming in and offering the right kind of deal, I would be benefitting her and myself at the same time.How would you guys approach this situation?