I have family/friends lender that is willing to pay the $40K rehab costs. 

I'd never trust the numbers of a homeowner, unless they were a licensed contractor themselves, and even then, I'd double-check and verify everything myself.Since you don't know any contractors, I'd reach out to your network (friends, family, coworkers) and ask for references.

I am in Boise, Idaho, but have some great BP friends in your area that are very in the know. 

I've talked to close friends about investing but they are not interested at this time. 

Hi BP community - I'm currently looking for a commercial multifamily building in Houston and am looking to connect with investor friendly agents + brokers in the area. 

Additionally, the lot is splittable into 2, 3, OR a "cottage court", which allow up to 8 buildings on the property (this is all confirmed with the city and I consulted with a friend of mine who is an engineer and has drawn up several of these cottage courts and says its feasible). 

The duplex was an off market deal given to me by a friend the appraisal came back at a value of 194K should I be worried?

Doesn’t really matter to me one way or the other, I am just curious as to how the Patriot Act applies to receiving loans from family/friends/investors for a down payment.Thanks Max

“A friend of my friend’s dad, rented out houses once....”

Background Story; My fiance's best friend, recently going through a bad break up, has always rented (lives with her sister, her cats, and her sister's dog), but she thinks now it may be a good idea to finally buy as rents are high and even more difficult for ones allowing pets.