Conventional loans can be like 5% down, but when it's on a rental property, they will want 15% or more down.The down payment represents skin in the game so you don't just walk away after things go bad and they make the lender feel comfortable because if you walk away, they can recover at least whatever equity is in the property.So, I also suggest looking into down payment assistance programs because first time home buyers may qualify for grants that cover your closing costs/down payment.If you have useful skills that are in the accounting, legal, or construction fields, maybe you could leverage that into a partnership where someone else can handle the finances.

What should have been $4k in windows was double due to the exterior color requirements.

Colors clash, patterns clash, and honestly it looks so ugly it's like the sellers are still living in the home.The seller is not happy.

Now keep in mind in my market I can get a title report in a matter of hours so I know she owns it free and clear and just a few city code liens for the over growth .. closing date is coming up.. we put up our cash to close another 100k plus into escrow.. and she just went dark .try to reason with her.. then I thought maybe she was dead in the house and being eaten by her 50 cats..

If you had your own cash going in to cover all costs that would be a different story but considering you have no skin in th egame you are also too high risk.

I've engaged similar discussions, I was the partner to bring finance, although it didn't work out at the end.The thing I wanted most as the finance person to make sure the operator/developer has skin in the game, that he will make money or lose money together with me.I'd love to hear what kind of arrangement you end up with.

I’ve had several people tell me that the darker colors look better, but they constantly look dirty and dusty.

I believe that all partners should have equal skin in the game.

If you are going to repave the driveway later, it would cost more, but what about a gentler slope at an angle across the lower half of the front lawn (below where the trees are, going from the bottom right where the grade is less steep up to the top of the current driveway where the dark patch is?

so for me I work with them unless they just go dark..