Then you can place a value on those benefits.You also need a known return to meet your goals if you look to cap rates, which can also be misleading unless you are doing a more sophisticated analysis than 95% of small investors might do.

The "liberal arts" approach would be to tell you that sophisticated investing precludes buying either equity or cash flow - we create both, not buy them.A more mathematical answer would be to tell you that the 2 most applicable measurements of ROI are the cash on cash return (CCR) and the internal rate of return (IRR).  

Paint can do wonders for altering the perception of color.

Depends on how sophisticated you want it.

My perception from his posts and personal website is that Ben only invested in large multi-families and apartment complexes. 

It is my perception that if someone posts something useful to the masses that's a vote.

The way to ensure that no other loans would be used is through the agreements/by-laws/operating agreements of the entity in title.Other investors could join based on knowing who the other investors were, thier abilities and level of sophistication, might be fine and a good deal.

I doubt it's a very sophisticated seller.Gaurav S.

Depending on the sophistication of the seller, they may be able to use your inexperience and lack of knowledge to their advantage.There is no advantage avoiding a good Buyers Agent that is looking out for your best interests.

Then I read MJ Demarco’s book, which, despite its clichéd name, is the best perception shifting book for an aspiring entrepreneur that I know of.