Due to the nature of the shipping containers and the banks not willing to finance such a project we seeked  funds elsewhere.

I need some advice and some instruction on the proper procedure in writing up a contract with a private investor and contractor.  

I just had a property turn over and followed this procedure for the showings:I advertise the property and handle all calls, emails, texts on it and set up viewing appointments (I group them all within 30-45 minutes on one day)The current tenants show the property to prospective rentersWhen someone applies, they email or fax in the application and pay the application fee via PayPal (although I am now trying out Cozy for applications) and I process the applicationIf the application passes, I prepare and email over the lease for signatureWhen the lease is signed and sent back to me, I send over a payment request for the first month's rent (via Dwolla or Cozy)At the check-in, I drive to the property to check them in myself and collect the security deposit in secured funds (or use Cozy to collect it beforehand)I have been doing the above for a long time and it has worked pretty well.

Unfortunately, I just got the building and have not had a chance to get all my policies / procedures / forms /etc. into operation.    

Because I know that you and your seller have solid integrity, that means we can naturally expect the real offer acceptance, in writing, tonight by 9 pm, in that case? 

., you MUST offer a compensation for the buyer (tenant) agent...that is the nature of the MLS.

Of course, being near Nashville is great for people who love a city with a unique identity, innovation and entrepreneurship, culture, music, food, art, nature, etc, etc.It's more challenging to find good deals in the city now, as it has been a really hot market, but there are still deals to be found a little farther out.Congrats on taking bold steps to improve your life!

I would never sign a contract with having absolutely no outs unless the EM payment was of a trivial nature like $100. 

Steven Mitchell Currently manage projects of that nature.

Again - NOT procedurally or legally difficult in Texas.