First, no equity is hard to say they have no equity as it's usually close, the estimate of market may be +/- 3%, appreciation in a year may cover that, saying little equity may fall in this narrow window too.Equity is what investors usually go after, but why do I want a property is the first question in my mind.Cash flow: Stepping into the owner's shoes, with them using the place as a primary residence, will it cash flow as a rental?

What I have found that works most of the time is find out through my clients who they are already comfortable using for subs and/or contractors who they have found through word of mouth in their community or development.

"Their are a couple of posters that seem overly comfortable with using the tyrannical arm of big government to implement their viewpoint.

But I will comfort you with some advice from a certain guru which is actually good advice; sometimes, down the road, when her situation changes or she becomes even more in a pickle, she will hopefully remember your convo with her and come around.

I thought the balloon would give them some comfort knowing they would be out.

Just let her know that you live on the same street, this should make her feel more comfortable with you, and that you have noticed her house sitting vacant.

@Jeff Deville I am in very similar shoes to you at this point.

There's a few problems with this - first is that the lender will want to know where the mysterious $10K came from and assuming you tell the truth, they will make your friend sign a letter to the effect of "Tia never has to repay this money it is 100% a gift".If he's comfortable doing that, then he obviously trusts you because as soon as he signs that document you have no legal obligation to ever repay.As for the terms - why would you want to buy a duplex and only essentially "own" one unit?

So what would you do in my shoes??

I have been reading books an working on the podcasts just a little "fear" I guess you can say about changing my comfort zone but if I don't force myself I'll never do it.