You responded to a piece of marketing material indicating you have a house to sell.  

That would tend to indicate that it's not as common in your area.

Trusted advisors never make blanket statements as indicated in your post. 

@Ryland Taniguchi yes that is a great strategy, and since current indications (general economic concerns on top of real estate trends) tend to point towards a cycle peak, I am being cautious as a first time investor...

If you are purchasing this property for under market value as you have indicated, that could be a great option for you.We would lend to you at 75% of the value of the property and up to 90% of the purchase price. 

This deal is complicated as the OP has indicated that they have completed $60K in repairs@Elizabeth PharisHave you spoken with the heirs as they obvious provide the simplest solution provided the estate has no other debtors ?

I have one very long term tenant that I do a yearly extension for though - and it is a simple one page document indicating start and end dates, the new rental rate, and that all other terms of the original lease remain the same.

I have read a lot lately that indicates malls faring better are ones which:have an Apple storeare connected to a cinemaintegrate high-tech elements (such as interactive maps, strong fast free WiFi, mobile charging stations, gaming/sports screens, etc.)embrace pop-up shops in vacant spacesprovide experiential shopping perks such as a DJ booth, giveaways, etc.I think that with millennials now being the largest U.S. demographic (recently surpassing baby boomers) and their inclination to spend money on food, travel and experiences rather than retail commerce, it will be very important for malls to continue to diversify their offerings beyond just "typical" shops.  

We were also told the area sales may not support the price we paid (imagine)  So I urge you please be careful...The proforma they give you and the first year is not indicative of future results.  

You could look for other indicators, I was listening to a BP podcast the other day, I'm sorry I don't remember the number and the guest was talking about his best performing mailing lists and he liked owner-occupied high equity owners, he also suggested going onto craigslist and looking at the yard and moving sales listed in your area, get the address and find out if they are owner occupied.