And on top of not disclosing the true nature of the transactions, the borrowers were unknowingly entered into 3rd party transactions, without knowledge, consent, or recourse.

This purchase will be up ~1m over purchase price after this rehab is done (3 sources: 1) purchase below value (or value add from addressing the rent issues - depends on your perspective) 2) value add from 4 class b+ unit rehabs 3) natural appreciation).  

It seemed a natural fit for me since I always wanted to be a businessman but still had a 9 to 5.

I think there are two maybe 3 ways to look at this in my mind.  1) you go into it and bring it all up to modern standards but using that old charm to basically take what is there bring it up to modern standards and rent it out essentially I'm thinking cocktail bar or something trendy like that.2) most banks are on really good centrally located real estate if this is true, then I'd consider it for the dirt, plan to scrape the lot and go vertical with whatever the highest and best use is.3) a kind of combo of the two, if the lot is in a good location and its doable, pull the vaults or other "character pieces" out of the building, scrape the lot, and build whatever is best suited for the site there, but incorporate those historical pieces into the final designs.Is the site near a major retail area? 

For example we largely scaled our portfolio with conventional loans, but when considering our overall application for a new conventional loan we don't get flooded with details on the other properties because it's incorporated into a business entity. 

I also assume a 3-4% yearly rent increase, which naturally increases the vacancy and repair amounts over time.

And of course it has worked incredibly well on the money raising side.. what I see happening is a very natural progression with someone who has the visibility and popularity as Brandon.. it takes a huge support staff and fulfillment team to create what we are seeing.I think you are on to something.I think Brandon's role is not necessarily to find the deal or to manage the deal.

Having worked in corporate architecture firm for 13 yrs before opening my own firm, I understand your basis @Jay Hinrichs and it's totally accurate.

The exact steps depend on the nature of the defaulted debts and on your local laws.State income tax planning.

Then when you have some sort of portfolio and your face and name goes around, you naturally will attract people who will want to work with you.