These are the questions concerning the framework of what has become known as wholesaling in the real estate industry.  

Robin, I did not offer an easy answer but I hope I provided a framework for comparing the two locations.

Based on the financing you described, it sounds like it's going to be owner occupied (by you) for the first few years, so I don't have a good framework to evaluate that as an investment since it's not, really, at least until you move out and rent it.

They have an investing system/framework that they know, or believe in enough to act as if, works.

I am a firm believer that confidence comes from competence and organization. right now i need the later to fall into place as a framework to build competence around

Not sure if it’s a server side error with their framework or just me

The framework, documents, lessons, videos, etc are all there but ultimately this program is for the self-starter, the one who isn't afraid to fail, the guerrilla marketer.  

Glass can be easily smashed (plexiglass is strong but too expensive) but there could be a steel grid framework with glass panels. 

And laws can vary a lot from state to state and even in the same state from year to year.Staying on top of the tax law changes for all different entity types (individuals, corporations, partnerships, etc.) is difficult enough for one state, and it's just not possible to do so for dozens of states.Sure, if I am working with a client in Tennessee on a particular issue, I can do my research and come to the right conclusion, but that knowledge won't necessarily be top of mind for me like it would if the client were in California, and there may be planning opportunities that I miss because my TN tax framework I have in my head isn't second nature like my CA tax framework is.Of course, the issues where in-depth state tax knowledge comes in handy typically don't come up when working with your typically BP newbie.Reason 2: networkAlso, a local CPA typically has a network of professionals that they know and trust that you can tap into.For example, as a California CPA, I have a network of lawyers, agents, etc., that I can refer my California clients to.I can't say the same for most other states, although I do have (limited) networks in those states when the needs arise.Conclusion: look in-state for a local tax professional (CPA, EA, etc.) who is knowledgeable about real estate investing, preferably an investor him- or herself.  

The input from all of those that have graciously provided valuable input and insight above taken together with the considerations of your last sentence provide the framework to make necessary decisions.