This is still a better deal than having to pay 20% of $400,000 by using a conventional loan.Now, let's say instead you get stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord by Tacoma, WA which happens to be in Pierce County (this is where I was stationed).  

I've done a lot of cosmetic improvements to the property in the last year, so I think the increase is more than justified! 

So we found a repossessed triplex for 380k with about 70 in upgrades to improve the property (450k total).Our current property is appraised at $730k with a balance of 248k and can pull out about 300-320k out with a refi. 

It doesn't seem often, but these people are not the kind you want angry at you, so anything I can do to improve the situation would be good. 

Otherwise, don't mention down payment--if they hold the note, you'll be improving the property with your rehab.Hope you get the drift. 

If you plan to live there for an extended period of time and it would lower your current cost of living that would be an improvement, but this would be a negative cashflow investment and I'd personally pass.

Raising rents, remodeling units as they become vacant, improving common and exterior areas, better maintenance and management than prior ownership provided.

While improving that take on another 2-4 unit you can BRRRR.

Terms are better if you're improving a building for energy efficiency as more lenders want your business.

Private sewer improvements can easily cost $500,000 or more.