Okay, so I have done quite a bit of research and planning over the last 8 months. 

This is in Silicon Valley where homes have more doubled if not triped last few years. 

The seller has offered to finance at 7.5%I contacted to seller to ask questions and get a feel for his need to sell but he is only dealing with me via Email, and I still only know the cross streets.I asked him in my last email about the Lot size, the Address, if the are any back taxes, if he is the owner or someone selling for the owner.....Questions:If I am able to talk with this gentle man on the phone, what do I ask him?

Ask about anything new they did in the last 5 years.

Hey everybody I am just checking if any new lenders have come in to the market in the last 12 months.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-existing-home-sales-fell-sharply-in-july-1472047382Sales of existing homes fell in July.  Many markets nationally likely peaked in early 2016.  I think in most markets we're now seeing ...

Lastly, when looking at potential investment as a new investor, I would keep it simple and create a budget based on actual cost instead of hypotheticals.  

Business cards are the last century's way of doing things.

I have purchased a house last month and moved in (partially) and stumbled across someone who needs to rent a place in town for a few nights a week. .. 

I've made several posts in the past where I was looking and making attempts to purchase my first property that fell through due to issues found during inspections or not being able to come to terms I was happy with...The last one I found actually worked out and I closed on it a month ago.