Our biggest question is how do we find the deals,find the deals, and close the deals?

In fact being current on payments is the biggest challenge to getting a short sale approved. 

The biggest red flag is discouraging you from viewing the property in person.

We invest in non performing loans and do some private lending as well.

I've only read about it, but never really investigated it since I don't see it possible for me.What about private lending? 

I have a potential private lender, but I need to determine if this is a viable investment opportunity and explore the best financing optionsYou’re a first time investor going for 36 units… alone?

Thanks Bill, my biggest concern is the space for the Washer and Dryer isn't big enough.

Quote from @Rodney Davis: They presented themselves as private lenders.

Appreciation on the other hand is the biggest piece of the real estate pie.

. #2 many private/hard money lenders will consider furnishings if the deal, including the furnishings, falls into their deal box.Believe it or not, it might be easier to include the furnishings in the deal with a significantly lower down payment if there is other rehab work to be done.