can anyone you know in person vouch for this lender? 

-So currently own 7 units in central MA area, soon to be more after my next refinance in 2 months.- Now helping other investors achieve their goals, whether you are brand new or a well seasoned investor.How I Can Help: -Connecting investors with trusted contractors, lenders, attorneys, property managers etc.

Foreclosures force the owner to sell because missed payments, probate forces heirs to sell a family members home, liens ultimately force a person to sell there homes to pay what they owe in tax/fines etc.

Quote from @Diandre Pierce: I have an uncle that has owned 6 trailer parks (over 100 trailers) for 16 years.

Most of the surrounding STRs do not supply linens, guests need to bring their own, so that's why mine is higher than others.  

Meaning they went into a standalone bank account (not mixed with your other personal funds). 

Saw an ad on Craig's List, I negotiated the deal personally on the first meeting.

I ask them how their experience would differ if they owned the home?

I have a similar background as you with flips, commercial transaction, long term rentals etc (maybe on a smaller scale with the spec builds), but have been managing 3 of my own short term rentals over 8 years. 

Creative strategies like lease options allow investors to control properties without owning them upfront.