I'm sure the others out there that are far more experienced than me have additional tactics, but certainly try those!

If cheaper, you're coming out ahead as far as living expenses while you are there ( in addition to the mortgage paydown and tax benefits) , and then if it cashflows once you leave, it should be a good deal.

In addition, it can be of great value with a hard-to-sell home, like on a busy street corner or backing to a shopping mall or something as it will attract buyers who may not qualify for traditional financing so they may be more willing to purchase at seller's price if seller finances.   

I feel like people are going to Vegas to gamble the sports are an after thought or in addition to, not the primary focus.

I do a cash out refi and pull out $50k to put an addition on my residence. 

That is a massive amount of monthly debt to have in addition to your primary mortgage and any consumer debt that you would have.

OURS is the lender.THEIRS includes the additional third party charges from others required to close this transaction... title company for sure (closing + lenders title insurance) and it's possible that outside attorneys are preparing your loan docs.

I just want to add an additional bedroom and bathroom (a master suite).

So if you buy at 70% or ARV minus repairs, the financedd amount will be enough to cover repairs and an additional 5% additional.

In addition, there's other factors investors look at...