In most of those cases, their broker took a high fee and the investor didn't end up with a great deal.Here are a couple of things that are a tipoff you are not working with a broker with your interests at heart (1) they want to pull your credit before having a conversation, or (2) they send you a long list of things you need to provide them before learning about you and your deal.The conversation should start with why you are interested in REI, then understanding your strategy to get there.

I do know that you focused specifically on the "Triangle" but I wanted to create a conversation.

I'm always willing to have a conversation to help new investors learn from my experiences, to hopefully avoid the pitfalls of buying your first property. 

I'd join a REIA and find someone doing what you want to do and pay to take them to lunch for a conversation.  

Include a lender in your conversations that specializes in working with investors.  

My Roth were all contributions, no conversions, but I can say I have seen many convert from pre-tax to Roth  

Once you find that company then you have to make sure that your business model aligns with theirs It is very important that you make sure you take the time to interview and have candid conversations with a PM company.

Hopefully after our conversation, you have a better feel for what to expect.  

Or I'm missing something - followed threads about the conversation from different folk, though.I wanted to get to visit Niagara Falls - Canada side for the week of Christmas to New Year and been looking at the hotels.

I had this exact conversation with a borrower just a few hours ago, and it surprised us both.