If you are seeking an actual private lender or direct HML (as opposed to a third party broker) for an investment property transaction (not a consumer loan), there are numerous ways to identify them... consider starting your search here: https://aaplonline.com

The best asset protection is hiding your assets; second best is hiding your ownership identity behind numerous entities3.

I was referred to the lender by numerous agents and and investors in the area.

If you had a decent war chest of funds for purchase and rehab, the area could be good if you want appreciation for the next couple years. 

Being able to pick their brains is always helpful, both their successes, red flags, war stories, etc.And as Jonathan mentioned, the very first step of actually taking action is knowing how much money you have to allocate to buying a property, fixing up a property (if needed) and how much a bank will lend to you.  

Smarty Pants(me), or it makes way more sense to them, and worth way more to them.Maybe they know if there is civil war gold buried there, and they just haven't had time to dig it up yet? 

You may want to get an attorney and hope RTR doesn't sue you.There are numerous posts here on BP with warnings about buying turnkey because you pay top dollar.

Hey mate,Whenever I get "Highest and best" from a realtor.My reply is always "I wish the highest bidder all the best" lolThen again, in our market we have the privilege of not having to get into bidding wars to get a decent deal.In other markets, it seems to be the only way ehhh 

Avoid competition and bidding wars.

Yes I have answered this numerous times on other threads, but bullet points:1 - If you are considering a PM, now would be the time to hire as you can lean on them most likely.2 - Look for designers in the area.