I have had the opportunity to buy many houses and multi unit buildings through the years. One of my favorite deals involved a duplex in Provo, Utah. The owner was an officer in the Navy. He was being sent overseas for five years and did not want to own long distance.
His asking proce was $55,000. It had a VA assumable for $53,000. The $2000 difference I paid for with a $2000 cash advance on my credit card.
The payment on the mortgage was $518 per month. The rents totaled $1100. I paid off the credit card in four months.
A little creative financing goes a long way.