I had the initial call with a PadSplit sales person, but I wanted to talk to somebody who's actually doing it to get their perspective and advice.

I personally would revisit your strategy of buying a negative cash flow property in SoCal, right now.

If you need more to do the rehab, perhaps instead of partnering, you could get your former boss to do a personal loan. 

@Enrique Toledo  If the seller is firm at 10% down, you can always get a personal loan for that 10%. 

You could give them a thousand bad reviews, if they are the only person in town offering a specific type of product, people will still do business with them.

Code § 1343 - Fraud by wire, or commits unjust enrichment, or violates 18 USC Ch. 47: Fraud And False Statements, or perpetrates a foreclosure rescue scheme, or takes advantage of "protected person" or violates the Dodd-Frank law and/or the S.A.F.E.

I question if the person that has issues matching 1) knows how to feather 2) has the original paint color/code. 

It’s important to recognize that your landlord likely isn’t thinking about selling the property right now, especially given their personal circumstances.

That person will be able to tell you what you can do and following that plan will give you peace of mind about your further investing strategy.

As a disabled person, I want to be in real estate, but I know I am limited.