I’d appreciate any input you can offer on everything from financing to construction challenges.

They will help you clear any clouds on the title and know whether you can close in "7 days" as offered to the seller.

They generally will offer greater appreciation, as well. 

It's an exciting journey that can offer both financial rewards and personal satisfaction.

Josh Duncan Josh it depends on your comfortability level but I have been taking out 401K loans to fund my real estate and personally I love it. 

The property manager can make or break you, it has to be a PM that is working in that space and is comfortable there.I agree with earlier comments to look in the front and back yards to see how many old cars, abandoned junk, or treasures that aren't treasures are piling up. 

If you offer more $ for the property than the all cash offers AND you appear to the seller to be highly qualified in the method you are using for sourcing the payment, at some point your offer will be more appealing than the all cash offers.I don't understand why you would consider a 1031 for another property in two years. 

If they don't have assets or well paid employment, I would consider the offer of the payment plan.

I think that a part time investor can have success with syndicated offerings and triple net leased properties if they’re willing to learn real estate fundamentals, perform “due diligence” on the deal/sponsors/property and engage legal help.  

Get out of your comfort zone.