Any input from experts appreciatedWe are looking at buying few townhomes as rental properties, they will be brand new construction after we agree to terms and put goodwill deposit.

I stumbled upon BP a few weeks ago (what a treasure trove of goodwill and information!)

I believe that is much less effective to rely on the good will of teachers and structured courses, than to let your desire motivate you and learn by any means and sources necessary.Regarding Real Estate, when I got an opportunity to work with it I tried to learn as much as I could about the business, so I have read some books, read lots of articles, listened to podcasts, watched a lot of videos and talked to a lot of people to try to get a general view of the business, before I could decide which areas to focus on.I definitely want to get some formal education in the future, like Management, Finance, Marketing, Branding...

A good GC (note the use of the word 'good') will probably save you money. 

Creating goodwill with sellers helps a lot but it's always a risk that they won't/can't leave without an eviction or sheriff lockout.  

Bidding/offering on any property that good will always have a lot of competition and if you have to finance, it will only make things harder. 

While I agree with others paying half of it may generate some good will, it may also create a slippery slope.

You value the business based on X multiple of current revenue plus a certain amount for "goodwill" or strategic purchase if you have to.  

The reality is that most "investors" are little more than sole practitioners and the only real value in their organization is the real estate, with zero goodwill value.

I have earned escrows from failed transactions in the past due to sloppy contract management by buyers' agents, and have given part of it back as a sign of goodwill.