In this scenario, the seller will accept the most attractive offer, not always based solely on price. 

The turnkey provider paying you the rent that the tenant did not pay tells me that they have broken practices focused solely on the short term results and they are not equipped to handle your investments for the long haul.

And, your income is also restricted by being a service provider rather than an owner, your service isn't legally worth whatever you can get in real estate as if you were selling shoes, the difference in real and personal property and fair pricing of services comes into play as well.

This is a qualified employer retirement plan, not just an "account".So, you have the Ford 401k Plan or the Apple 401k plan, as examples, or commonly the "Smith 401k plan" in a sole proprietor format.While a plan name can be changed, it is not just something you do at will.  

Looking back, what is the next step you'd recommend someone in my shoes taking?

Is the person whose name listed in the tax lien (in this example, "name 1") is the sole owner?  

(Total purchase $100k Including $55 purchase and $35 rehab on a potential ARV of $160k)The options I was thinking of that could benefit both my friend and me in the deal are:Loan the $25k based solely on an 8% balloon payoff in 12-14 months after refinancing.

Are you under a sole proprietorship or not under a business entity at all ?

We were able to save up enough money in a quicker time period that it allowed us to buy another property sooner than if we solely saved up the cash flow from our first property.  

@Jennifer Sleider   Hi Jennifer, my wife and I owner occupy a 3 flat and have another 3 flat that is solely a rental.