Owner financing can be a good option, if precautions are taken and the contract is well thought out and reviewed by an attorney well vesred in owner financing transactions.  No problem with renting either, as far as I'm concerned, if the seller is ready to be a landlord and willing to risk the condition of their property.

I give them the straight answers for anything they are considering which will work to their best advantage. There are positives and negatives in every scenario which change with each owner.

Owner financing can be tricky and risky and it's important that home owners understand that it involves. More than one, I've recommended to my clients that they should rent for a while instead of selling.

I would explain pros and cons of each. Yet, in this economy I don't have buyers or sellers who are interested in owner financing.

I would explain the pros and cons of owner financing. For the right seller, it can be a good thing, but it's not for everyone. I also discuss the pros and cons of renting, and one thing specifically I cover is that the listing is more difficult to show. 

In our area the sellers want a rent back for free. Last summer in SC the seller counter back wanting 6 months for free after they sensed the buyer was looking for a rental property.

Mason Nettles helped one seller with owner financing because the buyer was very well qualified - and wanted some break!

For renting - I have listed homes for sale and for rent at the same time. In few cases, they were rented and in few, sold.

What is important is to maintain the relationship.

Well, in DC renting is a no brainer, because the landlord tenant laws are outrageously anti-landlord.  And owner financing isn't really necessary these days because, unless the buyers are not qualified, there are amazing programs out there that lenders offer.

I would ask them if they are prepared to evict or foreclose if necessary.  

I would do everything possible to dissuade them from owner financing. As for renting, if they deicde to rent for awhile, they certainly have that choice and I would leave them alone.

I would talk to them about the risks of owner financing and the positives of a delayed cash flow - then for renting I would remind them that they don't want to hold onto the property - they want to sell it. 

I have been an investor for 30 years, I have plenty to say to them about both of these.

Never been asked.

I do not say anything  - I check with the owner only.