It's a simple cottage in a flood plain. The flood plain part doesn't bother me because I know both the land and the water in question. I also know better than to keep anything of any worth in such a home. I can easily afford monthly payments, but the property won't qualify for a mortgage, and my ex made good on his promise to completely ruin me financially- my credit report stinks, and I have to keep my earnings off books as much as possible; he's already destroyed two personal and professional relationships for me.

Then I guess you don't get the property.

1st issue is bad credit, for what ever the reason until you build your credit up it is harder to borrow money for any reason.

2nd many lenders will not lend in flood area because of the inability to get insurance and/or possible loss

3. working off books, basically you are attempting not to report income either for tax or because you owe someone who may garnish or some reason you are not properly reporting income, That just has a entire list of issues

So most likely with theseveral issues you may just not be able to borrow.