Going to disagree with much of the sentiment here except for @Kate Barry and @Bruce Lynn through Point #3.You definitely want a team up front, especially if you're investing out of state.Order definitely matters, though, to Kate's point, but with that said the only one that wont take your call until you have property under contract, is the contractor.

And to the same sentiment, offer to find him another place to stay -the same effect as cash for keys-. 

Yes, having lived in Europe myself, I understand your nostalgia and sentiment. 

I wished it would, but I want to get folks sentiment on the topic.

So I obviously have been through ALL of that.I agree with the general sentiment here that Interest Rates have only one place to go, and that's up.

I agree with the above sentiments and would probably also jump at these deals.One big clarification - you are not getting into these deals with zero dollars. 

The market sentiment at the moment is that we are seeing high prices.

@Ian Hoover Hi Ian, I would make sure to look for methods, procedures, and management style that will match up with you're investing sentiment.

That being said, investor sentiment undoubtedly has a role to play in the relationship.

I echo your sentiments and love this site too!