Readers should seek professional advice.

Those of us who have build investment assets, businesses, professional practices, etc. understand how much time, effort, planning and capital it takes to “scale”.  

It keeps things professional while giving you room to grow your expertise.I admire your perspective on keeping your parents’ resources separate from your own—it’s smart to want to succeed on your own terms.

Michael,   A good book to purchase is "Professional Real Estate Development: The ULI guide to Business.   

Readers should seek professional advice.

I understand this may prevent me from getting the absolute best terms on a HML, so I'll turn to professional before I settle on a lender, but I'd like to start the shopping process on my own.

If you’re have ambition either for a career as a management/ professional/ entrepreneur or becoming a real property investor then you’re going to bat with 2 strikes.  

Normally when a  property is advertised as "cash only" the property is in poor condition and/or the seller wants to reduce contingencies and opts for a cleaner transaction.

You're still leveraging his network/connections/professional experience.

If additional funds are required or if a professional is unable to resolve the issue, Lula will reach out to you directly.Let me know if you have any questions!