I had a quick call with my CPA about what I can or cannot deduct if I purchased a duplex for $600K using 100% under a 30 year fixed VA loan.

I would love a rental that offers multI-season attractions.

Reminds me of a haunted house attraction during Halloween!

If price isn’t that big an issue to you, a cash investor would be able to close quickly if the price is low enough for them.

From my comfy armchair, I can see how today’s situation in Kiev - far enough removed from the war areas, and being the economic and cultural center - could be attractive to those who know their way around the local bureaucracy to not have to pay an “overhead” under the table at every turn.I can see how the deeply devalued Ukrainian currency can make the purchase potentially even more attractive.

If your budget allows it, contract out stuff and get the house done as quickly as possible.     

If you have multiple loans and plan on paying extra towards mortgages, I would keep HELOC and try to pay it off quickly rather than paying fees and a higher interest rate to switch.

We have lost out on a few due to not getting it done quick enough.

Here’s a quick summary of the numbers:July 2012 – Dad buys 2BR, 2BA 950 sqft condo for $246,000 (paying $21,000 over list price of $225,000)January 6, 2016 – I bought the condo from my dad for $400,000 including a gift of equity of $143,000, leaving me with a mortgage of $257,000.

Seems that in this market some sellers are looking for a quick sale and so may be a little unrealistic with deadlines, yet I cannot blame them for they may fear not being able to sale and prefer a buyer that will come in and be able to make a fairly quick decision.