The good news is you have nothing to lose in regards to that existing interest rate :-D So after a year you could do a cash out refi, or get a 2nd mortgage or pull a equity line of credit. 

Richie,Access to pre-foreclosures gives you a shot at below-market deals before they hit auction.

You'll use your license to access the MLS, not your BIC's.Brokerages like to appear as if membership is this exclusive thing you have to interview for, but the reality is most are like a gym.

This may be the simplest solution to reducing your DTI if your lender will allow it.

Interest rate is #2 and getting weaker every week/month because people are accepting this just is the new norm.

Are you aware of grants or low-interest loan programs that I could use to do the rehab?

If you need a place to live anyway, building sweat equity that way is a great bonus, and if you decide not to sell but want access to that increased value/equity, can always do a HELOC or cash out refinance.  

We pay around $300/yr for this access for our guests.

This is much better than hiring him and issuing a W-2, which would remove access to real estate tax advantages.Avoid Employee Setup: By making him a co-owner instead of a hired worker, you skip payroll tax issues and instead allow him to benefit from pass-through taxation—income and losses from the LLC go directly onto your joint or separate tax returns, depending on how you file.Operating Agreement: Create a clear operating agreement.

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