Take the best advice given here, which is to have a goal of being debt-free and keep careful track of every move you make to get there!

If you can negotiate owner financing, you can workout whatever you and the seller can agree on.

You want to work out potential problems before move in though.

You need to use multiple measures to determine the viability of a potential investment, along with the track record of the key investor or syndicator, the area the property is located in and many other factors.

It helps you stay organized, track your repair costs and it makes it a little less convenient for them to hit you up to fix every little thing.

I would get tracking information for your deed being sent to the recorder’s office and walk in if allowed, and ask if you can pay a fee to expedite recording.

Take the advice on BP like I did  and use a credit checker like Credit Karma or something else to keep track of your score.

@David AndersonBeing able to defer the gain from putting it into a Qualified opportunity zone is not as simple as buying a property within the zone.Regarding finding the designated tracts, you can likely type into google "<insert county/state> qualified opportunity zone tracks"You likely want to work a tax professional who specializes in qualified opportunity zones to make sure you are following the book.Some of the steps include1) Funding the entity with capital gains within 180 days2) Self-designation as a QOF3) buying a property within a Qualified opportunity zone4) Rehab the property for atleast the cost of the building5) satisfy periodic asset testing6) satisfy holding period requirement7) etc etc etc

Aside from the interest rate and amount of the loan, you should also look for a lender with a solid track record and reputation.

If the seller balks at the thought of any agent, you'll have to work out compensation outside of closing.