@Dan Sieg  Not to be to Harsh but its this type of activity that really gives the industry a black eye.. you have someone ( you) with no means to close running around trying to tie up properties with the hope of finding a buyer.. you insinuate   one thing but can't back it up. 

For example you haven't bought 3 industrial properties in the past and are now buying retail??

When I started buying MH's in resident owned park communities or on private land and reselling them I obtained my RE brokers license once again because of the volume I was doing.I've been a developer by default as when I do purchase a lot/parcel and replace an old home with a new one or purchase an empty lot/s and develop them out I either sell them or keep them in my rental inventory.I've been dealing in distressed MH & site/stick built properties for 20 years and do a combination of all the above so I think it prudent to keep all my licenses and qualifications current and in good standing.Lastly, I've been a construction defect, park management/owner harassment, drainage and fraud expert witness, Industry expert for the California State License Board, consumer advocate at large for various TV, Radio and printed media outlets as well as a forenencis expert and consultant for myriad state attorney's general, district attorneys offices, county, state and federal agencies for over 20 years.

How much would you say is a respectable down payment that can avoid high interest charges.Also, for my southern cali people I am currently looking for investors to tail and gain some experience in the industry prior to my first investment.

Is it multi-industrial or does the economy in that city depend on one industry? 

I have declined as to not jeopardize my relationship with HUD as it is my "Golden Goose" so to speakFor the record,  I do not look negatively at the Wholesale industry and it seems like a viable way for many who can find and evaluate deals. 

I got my degree in aerospace engineering thinking it was for me, worked in the industry for 5 years, and finally came to terms with it's not me.

If you can master it in your way then you will have some form of success in this industry. 

Not just getting started with wholesaling but brand new to the entire industry.  

Which is all fine and dandy, and can be a very profitable industry, when dealing with someone who is actually doing things on the up and up.