I recently was able to sell my share after an arduous process of getting fractional financing andand doing a 1031 exchange into some new properties out near Sacramento.I now have the bug.  

Another investor who would just have the money sitting in a savings account earning a fraction of a % would be happy with just a 3% return as well...Or, maybe an investor is going for an appreciation play - they might not care about cap rate either.

Benjamin Moore is more pricey, to save money you can mention these color to the rep at Home Depot, Lowes or wherever you go and they can recommend something that looks similar at a fraction on the price.

I used them often, but not now.A TIC agreement can accomplish the same thing, your down payment buys a fractional interest and the seller can finance other fractional interests inside the TIC agreement.

These include the ability to continue pledging the asset and any remains equity further, selling all or a fractional interest, and transfer of leasehold interests. 

If used properly these will protect the foundation at a fraction of the cost of a sprinkler system and will use much less water.Regarding the @....

Use the "TIC, TAC, TOE" method (of wholesaling) to acquire a fractional interest from the seller so both of you are on title.

Buy a 20% interest in the place this month, you're an owner, tenants in common, then buy the remaining interests at settlement, the finances can be post settlement of acquiring a fractional interest.

I have used "rent a center" as well as picked up discount furniture and home good knick knacks from discount stores like marshals wall-mart etc. and can stage a home for the fraction of the price.

-When I point out none of the quotes I got from legitimate companies were anywhere near even a fraction of what you claimed, you claim that they are Mexicans and do shoddy work and take drugs.