It was seriously the most stressful and puzzling process we've ever been through and we've done a dozen or so loans in the last couple of years. 

And it seems to me that Zillow will lose a big piece of their marketplace function for renters if they cut out the MLS feeds...If all those MLS listings drop from Zillow, they will become less relevant for renters...Anyhow, still searching for an answer to this piece of the puzzle if anyone knows!

(Or, to go back to the puzzles from some time back and be very clear (6.25%/5)*12)

You gave me such a great idea in asking other BP members, and that's a huge piece of the puzzle I was missing!

Keep in mind that finding the deal is one piece of the puzzle, but that there's a lot more that goes into closing a deal than simply finding it, doing the underwriting, and performing due diligence (raising capital, sponsoring the loan, and asset management after it closes are also key parts). 

(if so that is puzzling because if the so property was so hopeless that they recommended to sell it, you figure they would want nothing to do with the property either, unless the sales commission was that important to them)These turnkeys definitely have limited exit options the first few years. 

I know contractors seem to be the most difficult piece of the real estate puzzle but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 

Is he an integral/necessary piece to the puzzle?

This will dictate where you purchase and look for properties based on that number alone.My point is that you always start with the end in mind and work it backwards, this creates the strategy (Buy and hold, flip, Wholesale, Notes) which will be driven by the tactic (SFR, MFR, Mobile homes, Short term rental etc) I always coach people and explain that the property is actually the last piece of the puzzle not the first.Hope this helps

Its a very simple process , you can do it.. but as mentioned you do not need one, ,,,yet, find a deal,1st, that is the most important part of this crazy puzzle,