I have seen it done in a revocable trust which has more flexibility because it's amenable.

-Traveling professionals want furnished flexibility.

Quote from @Rion Manita: Hello BiggerpocketsI'm working on some deals where buyers are trying to stack owner financing with a bank or private lender, what are some strategies to get these across the finish line and or some solid lenders that operate in these capacities that are flexible. thank youWord of warning - everything must be disclosed to all lenders.  

This includes offering incentives, lowering the rate and offering flexible security deposit alternatives.

Your idea can work, but only if you treat the downstairs as “habitable space,” not a second dwelling.Tampa’s 1 ADU rule means:✔ You can expand the ADU✔ You cannot create a second legally separate unit✔ You must stay under 950 sq ft TOTAL livable✔ You cannot add a second full kitchenBut:There is no rule preventing you from creating multiple rooms within one ADU.And this is the key point:As long as there is only ONE legal dwelling unit with ONE legal kitchen, the city does not consider it a second unit.So your “upstairs + downstairs as one ADU with a kitchenette downstairs” strategy is exactly what builders do when they want flexibility without creating a duplex.2.

If you value flexibility, liquidity, and are confident you can get better returns elsewhere — keep paying minimums and invest the spread. 

But even that’s flexible — some programs let you use a second lien loan to bridge that gap.This is one of the smartest ways to get into real estate in 2025 — especially if high rates have been holding you back.

The city recently moved toward a more flexible zoning framework that allows ADUs by right in far more residential zones than before, removes many of the parking and owner-occupancy requirements that used to be barriers, and generally simplifies the approval path so homeowners don’t have to go through multiple layers of variances and hearings.

Month-to-month makes things flexible, but a cooperative tenant can actually help the sale.

HOAs + rental permitsNewer HOAs often have rental caps, waiting lists, or 12-month owner-occupancy rules.Older homes (1980–1990s) usually have:• fewer restrictions• more flexible rental rules• fewer permit issuesSo your preference for older SFHs actually makes sense.5.