So here's the deal, to do a total rehab it would cost $20-25k and I picked the property for $46k.

Brian it just depends on the tenants.I do small increases but not too large.If the tenant has lived their awhile I have to weigh going up 20 bucks a month for 240 extra a year versus them moving,losing a months worth of rent (840) and then putting about 1,000 or more in new carpet paint and repairs.So at 240 extra a year it would take me about 9 years to recoup that money on the unit.It also depends on if you plan holding it that long or not.In my area tenants are barely getting by and lay-offs are happening every month to some.I think right now at least for my area isn't the time to push rent increases strong.I know what you are saying about landlords not increasing the rent for years and years.Some just want full and not deal with the headache anymore.They would rather have full and paying than charge higher rates and have more turnover and struggling from the tenants and more accounting to keep up with at multiple payments per month to pay the total rent.I believe as long as you are close to market rent but under by just a little you are not losing that much.It also depends on how cheap you bought the property.Some buy really cheap and cash flow like a monster because they purchased so low even though below market rents.

. / $4,166.67Annual debt service “DS”Revenues:Monthly AnnuallyRental Income$935$11,220.00 (RI)Vacancy @ 8% ($74.80)($897.60)Net Rental Income $860.20$10,322.40 NRI)Operating Expenses:Property Tax- 1800 (this is being challenged currently, but no ruling at this time)Insurance- 1000 (estimate, I will get a quote on this for sure.)Maintenance- 1200 (Estimate)Utilities- 800 (Estimate)Advertising- 100 (Estimate)Total Operating Expenses (*Very Estimated*) = $4900 (TOE)Net Operating IncomeNRI-TOE= NOI$10,322.40-$4900= $5422.50 (NOI)Total Cash FlowNOI- DS= TCF$5.422.40-$4,166.67= $1,255.73Return on InvestmentTCF/ TCO= ROI$1,255.73/ $5,000= .2511 (25.11%)Cash on Cash (Considering- Down Payment, Upfront Repairs, Closing Costs)TCF/ TCO (W/repairs and closing costs)$1,255.73/ $6,500 ($5,000 DP + $0 Initial Repairs + $1,500 Closing Cost) = .1923 (19.23%)My thoughts regarding this deal: I think the asking price is a little high for the property considering it’s age, condition (off of visual inspection from the street level only), location, what limited comps I could find.

The IRA is legally a totally separate entity from you and you money (and labor) cannot mix with the IRA's money.

Total purchase price?

Mike, I think you're going the wrong way with your math...He owes the bank $360k in mortgage plus $45k in fees for a total of $405k (where did you get $325k??)

I have not approached her, because I know her house needs a lot of work and I do not know how to come up with a sensible total for repairs, which means I need a Contractor.

Lastly, what is the total commission typically that a seller pays.

When you get work performed it is the TOTAL COST that I care about.How long will it take me to do it and what amount of money will I save??

I will be receiving 2.5% or half of the total commission (usually in a short-sale).