Multiple things I disagreed with, my wife and I requested a team meeting to establish some guidelines on what types of mentorship and favors from the team would actually be team support, and what actions would require compensation just so we would know ahead of time and plan accordingly.

The longer the length of years to depreciate, the less you can deduct from your taxable income (NOI)...for commercial ( 39 years). a shorter length would be favorable; it increases the amount you can deduct from the NOI which essentially means less taxes taken out.

I really wouldn't trust them to present the offer favorably or with confidence. 

If landlording has become a chore for them they might be willing to do a deal with you that is favorable for all parties.

Account Closed,Lenders typically start their own "wheels" in motion after the third missed payment, but it can still take a while before they get to the point of beginning the process of foreclosure.That said, Brian called it: offer him what he owes  - you decide if you want to give him any more than that as an incentive to cooperate.

And I'm thinking a brand flag would look favorably upon it for my first deal, at least.

Does it make sense to go the traditional path until you get capped at a specific number of properties and then switch to a portfolio lender (just given the more favorable terms most likely with conventional)?  

It's SUPPOSED to be the Real Estate equivalent of: perpetual motion! 

Perhaps you can garner some favorable information from presenting your interested in purchasing a few local properties and you are also looking for someone to provide you with the management.

Will they push back or be in favor of a MF development?