I am trying to buy a duplex and I have talked to the owner (built rapport) and got info from the city tax records, county clerk and google earth street views of the property plus neighbor properties.  

The people you talk to today are going to be your sales in a year or two.

@Eddie Salisbury@Russell BrazilEddie, please see my comments above you.I really hope everyone who is accusing me of being shady would just understand that I'm anticipating conflicts of interest and I want to talk to Brokers before joining a Brokerage to see how best to handle a situation can possible happen.I AM NOT A SALESPERSON YET.

Cash talks, and sometimes will get you a discount - though being out of state, it might be hard to find the best deals.

Talking to the attorney, the biggest issue the city typically brings up is parking.

You also can't just call up someone's lender without their permission and talk about the mortgage, that's a privacy violation. 

You could always sell it.Typically, you should be talking to lenders in advance of even buying the property so that you know you'll be able to refi.If the market softens and the appraisal is lower than you current estimated ARV, you will still be able to refi, but you might not be able to pull out "all" of your investment $s.

Be prepared to talk pros and cons. if inherited them may have stepped up basis so no tax consequence.Would you pay a premium to get terms?

Are they just talking about if you were to get the loan in your name?

Nowadays, whenever I talk to someone to see if we can do business together, I always ask them what their goals are to see if I can help them get there.I have someone on my team who has been looking to buy a home, but can't get a loan right now since he just started his own business about a year ago.