The Albany-Troy area has far lower price points than NYC metro, and there are some attractive characteristics to those markets.  

But if I can get it lowered significantly, it's a good buy before the sale.

What is the general interest rate charged on an HML?

They will most likely use a CMA rather than an apraisal, also the closing cost have been lower in my experience. 

Welcome aboard.BP is a great conduit for RE investment advice and insights.My company is a private buyer and private lender on lower ARV $ SFR properties throughout the U.S. 

Yet you are already flipping properties, so I assume you know that.My company is a private buyer and private lender on lower ARV $ SFR properties throughout the country. 

They dont even have what the rentals take in.usually i send an email to the agent saying "how much are they charging for rent and what is the NOI".  

When attempting to purchase a pre-approved short sale, is it possible to negotiate a lower purchase price? 

So, if they are now retired and in a lower tax bracket than you and your brother, they may pay a lower effective tax rate on any taxable income (if any) from the property in your proposed scenario, than you and your brother would if you just bought it and let them live there.

Sometimes cap rates are lower because of poor management.