I agree that it's a shame to remove slate though because it's such a beautiful roof surface that is extremely resistant to the rough New England weather: wind, hail, freeze/thaw cycles and even fire resistant which is why it is valuable (that and a new slate roof is ridiculously expensive).

This anonymity can be accomplished for free by using Trusts to own your companies as well as the assets.

Some of these houses have huge apartments with beautiful woodwork that is well preserved. 

The beauty about private money partnerships is that there is no set structure that has to be achieved.

Creative and sky is the limit. from is flat piece of dirt and turn it into nice housing that people will enjoy living there is rewarding and a sense of great accomplishment. 3. skill building, it require many areas of expertise from start to finish. the amount of knowledge and skills one will learn is a lot more than just flips or buy and hold. from the understanding of zoning, city planning, drafting up plan with architect and engineer, approvals, documentations and financing. the list goes on and on. maybe this is as much as a cons than a pros depends on how one sees it. 4. development low income housing, we have a housing crisis, and developer are not focusing on people with low income, they have their eyes on where the money is. dealing with state programs can be lengthy but worth the effort in my opinion if the outcome is to build something that is profitable at the same time giving family a better home/environment so their kids can thrive.

@Ben Leybovich could probably tell you if it's a deal, but you'd have to provide a lot more numbers (rents, occupancy, etc.) to accomplish that.

Is there a way to accomplish a similar structure with the seller retaining a % ownership after the title is transferred, either on the title or through a LLC, so he can participate in any future cashflow / sale.

The book recommendations depends on your goals and what you want to accomplish. 

@David Boley The NE is a beautiful area so the possibility of AirBnB could definitely be an option.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to include language such that, notwithstanding any assignment, the original buyer will not be released and remains personally responsible for the contract obligation.The seller therefore would have nothing to lose by agreeing to an assignabilty provision.