That's why we require clients to spend a couple days with us in Milwaukee up front, so we can get on the same page and determine an asset quality.Hint: the hood looks much better on a spreadsheet than up close in person.

Quote from @Scott MacComb: I have had contractors just do a small list on a paper napkin, and some do something on a word document.

I'd weigh lightly on the 'trust' aspect.  

I was 3 months into the rehab when I found out that I needed a whole other category of insurance (builders risk) instead of the homeowners insurance I got on the purchase and that for all intents and purposes, I wasn't covered if something happened.Its a little thing amongst the many things that occurred on that first flip, but I always look back and say "who knew" and know that I know now.

The 1031 must be a sale of investment property followed by the purchase of investment property. 

I also looked at hundreds of deals online and visited over a dozen properties before I landed on this 8 unit.

Now on raising $ side of things, I suggest first you do some research on syndications.

My cousin that I have been trying to get on BP has an interesting situation.

I've bought a ton of homes pre-foreclosure and at auction, happy to be a resource on that stuff, plus we just launched Bid Pirate, which is the one place online for NH, where you can see all the upcoming foreclosure auctions in one spot - you can learn a lot from the regulars at the auctions........ get after it, sister!

A self-directed IRA or 401k can be a great vehicle for loaning money to others without getting hit with taxes on the interest income.