we had about 50 million out and that was 250 investors.pretty sure you will find like kind companies in your state no problemthen just look at loans they present you and make sure they make sense.DONT do this with NEWBIES or people hitting you on the internet talking a great game.. you need to belly to belly and make sure your aligning with top shelf experienced players. 

To this point, do you have any experience/recommendations on how new investors can find and connect with mentors who have the same/similar alignment?

@Curtis Moe Thanks for the feedback - one thing I should have mentioned, the GC video is a place holder for now and I'm hoping to have a professional looking interview recorded that gives the website a personal touch and resonates with mom-and-pop sellers.Your thoughts on MSP align with what I've researched - if I end up getting anything out there soon it would have to be a value add 4-plex to hopefully insulate myself from any potential devaluation.Awesome to hear you're looking at Upstate as well, I'm familiar with the Elmira/ Horseheads area which is right next to Steuben County - just send you a request as I'd love to hear how that part of CNY works for you!

we worked through the old owner and tried to get to the kids when ever possible.. all leads were leads until the logs were on the ground.. a few things we did to speed things up  were as posted above and pretty obviouswe set up 1031s  but hard to sell to an 80 year old who could not fathom how that could be legal.and a few did charitable remainder trusts  probably even more complicated and the ones' where we bought those deals I would say the sellers were pretty savvy folks not your typical tree farmer. so as many have stated whats the sellers best interest and your best interest is many times vis a vi taxation not aligned in any manner.

Make sure your taxes are aligned.

I talk about discovering your passion and how that aligns with your goals and REI strategies in my 10 Step Guide for Buying and Holding a Small Multi-Family Rental Property (now available for download in the FilePlace).You've taken the right first step (joining BP).

It seemed very encouraging and their operation philosophy is aligned with my philosophy. 

This is to align investor-sponsor interests.

As a PM, that doesn't make sense for a residential property for most/all situations.I want to align the owners (my client/customer) goals/success with my own.  

You might be better off thoroughly vetting your PM and if you aren't satisfied, start looking for a PM that you trust and aligns with your vision.