
The Smart Way to Buy Rentals with Seller Financing

If you're trying to grow wealth through real estate but feel stuck by high interest rates or low cash flow, you're not alone.
Today’s market is tough but smart investors are finding creative ways to win.
One of those investors is Chandler David Smith. Instead of relying on luck or chasing risky deals, he follows a simple system to guide every decision. He calls it “algorithmizing your life” which means setting clear rules that lead you toward your real estate goals.
In this blog, you’ll learn how Chandler uses seller financing, structured offers, and smart analysis to buy more properties even in a challenging market.
These tips are simple enough to follow and strong enough to help you build real income through real estate.
Why Having Rules Helps You Succeed in Real Estate
Chandler believes success comes from having a system. He and his wife created one simple rule when they started: live only off the cash flow from their properties.
Every extra dollar went back into buying more rentals. This helped them stay focused and grow their income over time.
No matter where you are in your journey, Chandler recommends asking yourself a few key questions:
- What are my financial goals
- How much monthly cash flow do I need
- What rules will keep me on track
Chandler even uses ChatGPT to help break big goals into smaller, daily steps.
He says, “If you set these rules in place and stick to them even when things get hard, you’ll reach your goals.”
Why Seller Financing Works in 2025
Interest rates are high right now, making it harder to find cash-flowing rental properties. That’s why Chandler has turned to seller financing, where the property owner becomes the lender.
It’s one of the most effective creative financing tools available today.
Over the past year, Chandler has picked up around 30 rental units using seller financing with interest rates as low as 3 percent.
These types of deals are possible because many sellers have their own struggles and concerns. Some don’t want to pay high realtor fees, worry about taxes, or fear they won’t get their asking price.
By offering seller financing, Chandler helps solve all of that. Sellers can avoid big tax bills, skip real estate commissions, and get steady monthly income over 5 to 15 years with a larger balloon payment at the end.
These are just a few of the benefits of seller financing that work for both sides.
Want to see how Chandler puts these strategies into action? Watch the video below for real-world examples and deeper insights into seller financing deals.
How to Structure Seller Financing Offers That Close Deals
Chandler doesn’t just make one offer. He gives sellers multiple choices. That way, they can pick what works best for them, and it gives him more flexibility to close the deal.
On a recent 16-unit apartment complex made up of four fourplexes, Chandler made three offers:
- $500,000 in cash
- $550,000 with seller financing at 5 percent interest
- $600,000 with seller financing at 3 percent interest
The seller chose the third option. Chandler locked in a deal at $600,000 per fourplex with 3 percent interest, a 30-year amortization, and a 5-year balloon payment. This deal gave him a 16 to 17 percent cash-on-cash return.
Multiple-offer strategies are smart because most buyers only submit one number and start negotiating from there. Offering choices gives you control, builds trust, and anchors the seller’s expectations.
If you're learning how to structure seller financing offers, this strategy is one of the best ways to stand out.
Close Real Estate Deals Faster With Less Stress
One big advantage of seller financing is speed. Conventional bank loans can take 45 days or more. With seller financing, Chandler often closes deals in as little as 7 days. That’s a major benefit when you're competing with other buyers in a fast-moving market.
Use This Free Rental Property Calculator to Analyze Deals
Chandler never guesses when it comes to numbers. He always looks at the cash-on-cash return to measure how much profit he’s making from the money he invested.
To make this easier, he created a free app called the CDS Rental Calculator. It’s available on both iOS and Android and helps you:
- Run quick property analysis
- Check returns on the spot
- Share results with sellers during talks
If you want to get better at spotting great deals, this tool can save you time and help you make smarter choices.
Final Thoughts
Real estate investing doesn’t have to be confusing. When you build a system, stick to your rules, and use creative tools like seller financing, you open new doors even when interest rates are high.
Chandler’s story shows how being consistent, smart, and flexible can lead to real results. From making multi-option offers to using apps that break down property numbers, he’s found ways to grow without depending on the bank.
If you’re ready to start investing or take your strategy to the next level, try applying some of these ideas. Keep your goals clear, your deals smart, and your focus steady, and you'll be one step closer to financial freedom.

About Maria Tresvalles
Maria Tresvalles is the dynamic Marketing Specialist at DealMachine, where she has been a key player for the past five years. With a strong background in customer relations, Maria started her journey at DealMachine as a Customer Success Coordinator, where she honed her skills in understanding customer needs and driving satisfaction.