Obviously I don't want to lose my own funds but I am in this for the long run and my reputation (based on integrity, experience, network, etc.) is more important than the money itself. 

I have continually heard the importance of mentorship and have known this will be integral to my success both inside and outside of the company.

If there is a release clause, the integrity of the mortgage can remain intact if one or more parcels of real estate within the blanket mortgage are sold.

Is vertical integration a thing in real estate development like it was with J.D.

They invest based on experience, track record, ability to execute, integrity, underwriting, and property and market qualities. 

Each apartment I own is a biz in of itself and the pm company (now a vertically integrated asset/property/construction management firm) is 80 employees strong with 200 million in assets under management.My passive/cash flow streams wouldn't be anywhere close to where they are today without first focusing on business income.All the best on your journey!

Even better that you can integrate it in to your day job. 

No doubt that Athens will be an integral part of Atlanta in your lifetime.  

I have enjoyed finding property managers that are more vertically integrated (RE agent, contractor, PM).

Vertically integrated  they have call centers they have closers that run out to the property the second they get a lead they have office staff to handle the transactions..  3. owner is sharp knows the business inside out.. and frankly would do very well at just about any business they wanted to work in.those that do this on their own with zero help.. those come and go with the wind.. failure rate I suspect is far more than 90%Along with Markets matter.. do you live and work in a market with excess inventory that can be had.. or are U in a very tight market.. tight markets are tough..