While I'm aware of some of the pitfalls and potential downside (especially with complex regulations and compliance issues), I'd really appreciate any and all opinions and facts that discuss installment contracts as good, bad, ugly (and other) so that I can view and assess this strategy from a diversity of viewpoints and experiences.Any thoughts, BP Nation?

Most state licensing laws and MLS regulations prohibit listing a property on the MLS unless you are the owner. 

That's because a loan for an owner occupied property is subject to a lot more regulation than commercial loans.

The more you learn about the laws and regulations of Real Estate, the better.2) Save as much money as you can. 

It's all relative to your skillset.Personally in the last few years I do not like all the regulation that has been placed on residential notes.It seems that commercial and business notes would have more room for creative structuring.I love commercial real estate but it is what I focus on daily.

Licensees are heavily regulated, at least in AZ, so having a license can hinder your "creativity" as an investor so it may not be worth the acquisition, risk, hassle & cost of maintaining it.Good luck!

They never take the time to educate themselves on the laws and regulations of such entities as IRS, Fair Housing, Discrimination, Property Code..

Banks can't influence an appraiser anymore than you can now with tight regulations.

However, job loss, stagnant wages in an inflationary environment, sudden disability, divorce, and other life changing events can alter the tenant's ability to maintain that income to housing cost ratio.

Make sure you are in FULL compliance with city regulations.