I'm not too concerned about source of income as long as it legal, consistent and predictable.

Using this guideline, my renovation parameters and pricing guidelines can be remarkably predictable from asset to asset.4.Look for highly distressed physical structure: While this is more of a loose guideline than a rule, I have found that value (equity) can be more easily “acquired” with truly ugly physical conditions.

Whatever your prediction for a conclusion date, add 6-9 months, maybe longer.

I predict you will see a lot more opportunities in just a few months.Option 2) Turn your property into a rental. 

Paying it down is predictable which is also good.

We have done the numbers and since no one can ultimately predict the stock market or real estate, I believe it comes down to personal preference/investment strategy.Thank you @John Morgan, but we live in a market that has high home values and high rents - 50K won't get the job done.

In my markets I predict them still rising alot in the next 0-15 years.

If the stock market corrects 20% as some predict  then we will see a price decline in the central valley.

I do agree that, in order for a local market to have house values drop 35%, something devastating would have to occur, and usually that would be predictable.

LLPA for 75% v 80% for an owner occupant with good credit will be 0.25% delta holding constant the rate... meaning if the buyer pushes back, you can offer a seller credit for 0.25% of the loan amount ($247.50), and the buyer gets the same net interest rate pricing as if it were a 75% LTV loan because you're covering the delta.I of course cannot predict how the next appraisal will turn out or negotiations.