Agree with David in nailing things down.I respect Chris' opinions, but on this, I wouldn't say a mortgage is "better" in a partnership.If you're a lender, you'll be foreclosing on that interest, you'll be selling to satisfy the mortgage interest only.

So theoretically, your girl can do one deal for around $75k and then get bumped up to say a 90/10.

The old adage "a picture says a thousand words" also rings true for the opposite "a picture doesn't say a thousand words."

If you own lets say a 4plex, one bad tenant will cost you some money but you still have 3 other ones carrying you along and paying your bills.Single family homes are putting all your eggs in one basket.

Proof of funds for 1 year lease term, say a bank letter saying she has this fund in her account and the average balance over a year?

If I get the property under contract, I theoretically put my partners under contract as well, and if say, a situation comes up where I needed 68k, and a HML is only willing to contract for 65k, (yes, those are actual numbers in this case) I'm literally having to tell an investor that I need more money, or tell my contractor that I am short on funds to cover extra for purchase funds.Everyone I'm working with is doing me a huge favor based on a solid plan, I don't want to fall short, and literally being off on my numbers by more than 2k puts me in a position that won't look great.I guess it's just time to take this conversation to the HML and find out for myself how much of a guaranteed number I can get...Anyone have suggestions for Oregon lenders?

At this point, I don't always trust that there isn't one there just because I can't see it.You can still refer the guy, you just can't really get paid for it.The agent can give you a token gift, say a $25 gift card that could just be considered a deductible business gift for them as well.Bigger thing is a) good karma from helping out the seller and b) building a relationship with the agent.Having an agent that will help you with stuff is a good thing to have.

Heres the basics:SHORTSALEARV: 155-160kBPO target: 140k(I will be there to do everything I can to influence price)Target purchase price:112k. 1st of 220k (WF) and 2nd of 60k (handled in bankruptcy court and home owner currently paying it down)I am pleased to say a family friend has chosen me to handle their short sale.

Other than the potential for them to be the listing agent for your properties, what would you say a real estate investor can bring to the table for an agent?

RE foreclosures and collateral sales are not readily liquid and the fact that a recourse loans are made, address this issue of accepting a less liquid asset.Now, if the individual borrower were to pledge the property as well as cash assets, say a bond or even stock or bank CDs, then the collateral aspect could swing the risk assessment toward a NRD.Off to other areas.Usual and customary carries legal weight in any transaction, from buying a car to having pizza delivered to residential and commercial real estate deals.What would a reasonable person do in the same situation if they had equal or nearly equal knowledge as other parties?