In your experience what are some ways I can understand the intent of the person who said they're interested in buying? 

. -- lots of factors to consider (including your personal strategy), but here are a few high level metrics to compare the most populous zip codes in HuntsvilleWelcome to drop me a message if you are interested in checking out the full report 

I have personally been the guy who hasn't pulled permits and got caught...by far one of the worst experiences of my investing career.

Personally (as a STR-focused REALTOR), I would never give you numbers and tell you you can hit them. 

This could give you the cash you need for the purchase and also eliminate your personal guarantee for the loans.

@Mindy Jensen this is what I do until I've established a good relationship with them. 

Then, each person with money in the deal would get an 8% preferred dividend until they get all of their money back.

Learn learn learn and always take action

If you've never done it and never looked at properties anywhere in person, how will you know what any of the numbers even mean? 

You might be able to get around the fact your entity owns the property by either transferring the property back into your personal name or by some personal guarantee or cross-collaterization agreement.