This will increase the return above what can be obtained on a passive investment.The flipside of having the power to control everything is that it can be alot of work (and a full-time job if a person is putting in sweat equity).

Quote from @Daron Williams: I just invested in a tax deed here in texas it was a beautiful lot right on lake sam rayburn. i have it on the market for sale the only problem is you have to have two lots to build on.. i found the person that owns the lot to the right of me and there willing to possibly sale there lot the only problem is i dont have the money or the credit  to purchase it.

Personally, I think I would stack some cash for a year or so while I did this. 

Also, get all personal info (DOB, SSN) from the seller in case needed when talking to lenders, lienholders, etc.

Keep it short and respectful of their time, and offer to meet in person if they’re open to it.Join Tacoma-specific Facebook groups.

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

However, he asked me to sign a one-year Exclusive Right to Represent agreement, as presented to him by his brokerage.His interpretation is that it applies only when he materially assists me, but I think the boilerplate brokerage language he was given reads much more broadly:"If during the term of this Agreement Buyer enters into a contract for the purchase of Property through the services or efforts of the Broker or Buyer’s Brokerage Firm, or by or through any other persons during the term of this Agreement" (emphasis mine).My concern is that, under my interpretation, if a fellow real estate investor wants to unload a property or if I get pointed to an opportunity by a former agent, colleague, or friend, this agreement could create an obstacle to moving forward with the deal.In the end, I didn’t sign.

If you give someone over 19% membership interest in the deal, the bank will usually require a personal guarantee from that individual. 

The pro development and affordable housing advocates use the term NIMBY, but I suspect it is the rare person that buys in a single family zoned area that would be thrilled to have 17 units (qp16 additional units added) in the lot next to them.My initial protege was the land source on this effort.  

That's possible but I doubt it unless you told them you might pay for materials.