I would like to learn how to search out deals, negotiate and be comfortable with pulling the trigger, as I am sure that can be a difficult part of REI as well.

Valley Center might be worth a look too if you are trying to stick to the burbs, I’d say B- on that one too, I like Park City a bit better than Valley Center as a rental because it is closer to the city, Valley center is a hair rural. 

I am just guessing here but I imagine that well over 90% of the investors that make their way to actually see their operation in person end up pulling the trigger.. again just a guess but as someone with 4 decades of expreince at this.. and owning more than a couple real estate brokerages you can tell a well put together shop..  

Now the million-dollar question is whether to pull the trigger on the build given the ominous/uncertain economic outlook. 

Here's some info about using a land trust to transfer your property without triggering that pesky due-on-sale clause.

@Charlie MacPherson a lot of people teach those "trigger" words and phrases but I haven't seen anything in writing from HUD that bans them.

Also, that's likely a due-on-sale clause trigger, which subjects the loan to being called due after the transfer.

I recommend you do a bit more homework before you pull the trigger. 

I've secured funding for single family investments, but have yet to pull the trigger.

If this death does not specifically trigger something (such as acceleration of the debt), then the agreement as written continues to be enforceable by the decedent‘s estate or heirs.