in the near past I use it to sell off properties i foreclosed on and dont want to rehab.. buyers like it  I understand the rules.but talking Mrs old lady into this is as you note just another way to make a deal without taking the sellers interest in mind.. thats what sells these guys but if you have a sophisticated seller then  its fair game in my mind.

Why would someone give you any money and more so, why would you take someone you know's money when you have no experience, no game plan, and a misplaced idea to buy distressed which is the hardest thing to buy and salvage for new investors?

land game can have value add like you suggest..

After a couple deals under belt, then take out a massive line of credit and grow fast with the all-in volume game. 

Last thoughts on being a GC, if you have a track record, it's very encouraging for investors to partner with you as you have skin in the game and can show them previous projects you completed successfully.

Section 8 changed the rules of the game recently.

If the name of the game is "be the biggest idiot," it's ok to lose and let someone else "win."

I was doing reviews for a specific company as use for gaming demos due to it's compact size and LED/Laser light source.

Also makes them put skin in the game.

However, that's cheaper than hard money and it got me in the game.