The sooner you start these conversations, the better prepared you'll be when the right deal comes along.Local professionals can also be an invaluable resource.

I have talked to tons of investors recently and everyone says the Zillows interface is the worst, but it is just a side comment and we keep going on to the next conversation. 

I’d love to discuss how I could help the organization by purchasing it and restoring it to productive use.”Request a Meeting: Ask for a meeting with the person or committee responsible for property management.

I'm offended that nobody included me in in this conversation.

There are so many variables and some of the biggest misunderstandings come from regional variances on how these variables are handled (mortgages & financing especially).I had thought progressing towards multifamily and then commercial was the obvious path to follow, but one conversation changed it all.

and it ended in a circular conversation to nowhere.

The investors get much more profit out of the property.Recommend having a very open conversation with your FIL, expressing your interest in potentially taking over the property from him.

Exactly the reason to have an Architect on your team to join in on these conversations ESPECIALLY in existing renovations in older homes.

A relative who does long-distance real estate investing told me that I have to sign the final loan document and the transfer of ownership document in person.

I'm a newbie tooSelf education through books is a conversation between the author (mentor) and you.You'll gain knowledge, connections etc but it takes timeAttending meetups, listening to Youtube videos on subject matter further broadens knowledge base