I have been listening to a podcast about creative financing and he talks a lot about making a bad deal work based on the terms and that price doesn’t matter much. I wanted to see if someone saw an opportunity in this deal that I don’t:

Side by side duplex in fair condition, rent ready

Owner interested in selling to invest in a DST and leave the landlord game. Not motivated and doesn't really have interest in being the "bank".

FAIR MARKET VALUE about $250k

He’s offered it to me for $235 (avoiding realtor fees)

Gross rent currently $1400 (maybe room up to $1500)

Taxes, insurance, utilities: $480

After capex, repairs, vacancy, and management I don’t see any cash flow.

Is there a creative offer you’d make to make this deal work?

I look forward to hearing your ideas!

No. Creative deals require both parties benefit from the deal. That scenario is only beneficial to the seller. 

@Derek Dombeck 👍 thank you

Offer to buy if he will lend back the money at the intensest rate he was gonna get out of DST. Buy another property with his money.