What’s your process for evaluating whether a property fits a lease option or seller-finance buyer?

Bought my first duplex in May 2024 (out of state) and have been self-managing and learning as I go. I’m now looking to buy another property.
I already have an agent I like who’s sending me possible deals - but as y...

. :) I think honest conversations about neighborhood class, ROI, and risk tolerance are what make this forum valuable… even when our perspectives differ.

I'd love to utilize their expertise when assessing a property since they are local but I'm not sure what the general expectation is when I don't have a tangible property and I have not entered into contract to work with them yet.Some questions I have are: local regulations/permitting timeline, property's potential from their perspective, landscaping/amenities cost estimate (they also help facilitate this).

Seems everyone is all about freedom to set up an STR wherever, until it's next door.I appreciate the perspective, Collin.

If you ever want a local perspective on neighborhoods or renovation dynamics, happy to share what we’re seeing after 40+ years funding and investing in this market. 

The key is finding a lender who can help you qualify for this scenario you're going for, and you might need to line up a renter first and count that rental income toward your qualifying income (like Deborah said above).From a tax perspective, if you sell your current primary home and buy a new one while keeping your secondary and turning it into a rental, there are some key tax points to keep in mind.

This post is missing information needed to provide you with a perspective.

I would like to hear your take on that submarket, and your perspective on other Dallas-area markets such as Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Prosper, and Celina - particularly the areas you feel are showing strong fundamentals right now.

I'm sure the answer depends on perspective and long term goals.