After a week of craigslist emailing I found a lady that lived in California but had a very beautiful, 5 bed 3 bath, How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

All of the painting professionals we use say that flat is the way to go, but I'm wondering if this is because they know they are going to get a full paint when the tenants move out because after a year of living, there's no way just touching up will be sufficient. 

His name is Mel for the purpose of listing out our situationsHere are some of the realities of our situation:Mel has a lower FICO (610-620 I believe)My FICO score is higher (770)Mel has a W2 paying job where he is salariedI am a 1099 with two separate companies (Independent Contractor)Mel has been FHA approved up to $300k I have not because I don't have a "steady income" even though my income is higher than average, they don't like the fact that it is inconsistent because I am not salaried.We currently live in Orange CountyLooking in Pomona (LA County) and Riverside County for property because anywhere else $300k is unrealistic to find a multi or a SFR to flip.Now if you've come this far and read all that....

@Andreas Thuresson Are you looking to live in the property or manage it yourself? 

I got approved on a 150k house and am currently living in another house that I want to rent out.

I live in NYC and bought my first rental property a little over 2 years ago in northern NJ. 

My plan was to do a house hack and live on one side while renting out and airbnb'ing the other side.

My husband and I live in Placer County, but we are working on deals in Yuba/Sutter County as well.

My 2 partners and I have found a property where we live in Baton Rouge. 

Would you be living in this property?