I had just planned to rent for 2yrs before I try to buy, but I hate throwing money away and wondered if it can be done sooner counting the rental income.  

What are the real tax benefits to the seller when transacting via purchase money mortgage...I can see if the property is not a primary being taxed at capital gains for the sale...but what happens when the seller files taxes at the end of the year...how do they report income from holding a mortgage?...

I would recommend that you sell the property for as high you can as long as the market will pay, while at the same time leaving just enough margin for the end buyer to make a the deal profitable for themselves and be happy at the end of the day.I see many newer investors leaving money on the table because they think small and sell the properties by asking themselves " how much would I be content making on this deal?"

As an investor, using OPM(other people's money -- a mortgage), the purchase price and mortgage payments will dominate the cash-on-cash and cap-rate calculations.Yes, we would all like a Class A property for $1.95, but somewhere in reality is the balance for what can I get as rents and not have the expenses drive me to the poor house.Highly recommend the Calculators here on BP to evaluate the possible ROI using realistic numbers for each property.

I say “Yep”.When the bank came back with the increase in EMD from $500 to $2500, I asked my agent if that was because they wanted to increase the likelihood that I would not walk.She said that she believed that was the case.So, I believe at this point, ensuring I close is more important than the sales price.Plus I already stated that $17,500 was best and final.So, I countered back at $17,500 with $2500 EMD.It was accepted.My lender couldn’t believe it.After closing, the bank and I discussed financing options.Since it ended up being all my cash for the purchase, we decided on a construction to permanent loan.We got an appraisal value for its as-is condition and it’s ARV.When analyzing the property, I tried to be conservative and used a $120,000 ARV.As-is condition came back at $60,000, and ARV came back at $145,000.Comps were had to come by, as this is a small, rural town and there hadn’t been many homes sold recently.The bank would ultimately lend me up to 75% of the ARV, or $101,000 in 4 draws.The loan would be interest only during the renovation, and convert to a mortgage when completed.The loan is 10 year fixed at 6.25% with a 25 year amortization.Projected costs: Electrical work--$5,300Renovations--$64,000Zoning Hearing for approval for conversion--$1,500Insurance, permits, property taxes, and other holding costs--$2000Total Budget--$73,800Renovation took just under 3 months, with virtually no surprises.The electrician came in at budget, and the renovations had $4,000 in overages.With the purchase price, loan costs, and renovations, I am right at $101,000.I also believe that if I chose to get a new appraisal, it would come in much higher, as since the first one, a few houses in the area have sold and would support a higher value.So here’s a quick run-down on the numbers:All-in price:$101,000Value:$145,000Income:$850/month x 2=$1700Monthly Expenses: Maintenance 10%:$170Capex 10%:$170Vacancy 5%:85Electric:$20Trash:$55Insurance:$100Property Taxes:$185.33Mortgage:$666.27Total:$1451.60Monthly Cashflow--$248.40Money in the deal—ZERO DOLLARSYes, I know that I did not account for property management in my numbers.The reason is that there is industry moving into the area, and higher paying jobs as well.I believe that rents will increase and support property management down the road, if I choose.If that doesn’t happen, well then I’m stuck managing forever or selling it at some point, but it is a risk I am willing to take at this point.Is this deal a home run?

I am a sponge looking to learn and make some money, while appreciating those willing to teach and help.

If I were already making money, I'd definitely go for it but it doesn't seem to make sense financially right now.  

I  am in the middle of transferring money to a self directed IRA and can't wait to buy my first.Thanks again and all advice is welcome!!

What are my options if I'd like to pull money out of the house for future investment properties.  

A tenant who may be getting evicted can "lease out the home" to someone else, collect the money and disappear.There is nothing that makes me more nervous as a PM than a tenant showing the home to a prospect.