Thank you for this advice the distinction of polished vs stained and your comparison of cost and longevity relative to tile! 

But I definitely think you're right in that there is not a clear distinction in terminology between private lenders, who are using their own, or a small pool of associates', money (often self-directed retirement funds) and institutional lenders.

Here are some ideas and observations:Market Dynamics: Manhattan's distinct market dynamics and high property values are well-known.

Each property is a separate and distinct opportunity based on demographics, occupancy, location, access to laundry and in unit connections.Feel free to comment or ask a question.

Great intro @Melani Pratt, welcome to the site.One word of wisdom though: the first deal is not the hardest... that distinction is for the second one.Then once you have the second one, it's the third one.

I got the distinct impression from several of them that they thought they may be getting scammed. 

The only time there is a distinction is financing.

I've never had a partner and I'm curious to know if there's a distinct role that partners take in REI situations. 

thanks @Chris Tan, i just wanted to make the distinction, wasn't sure if it made a difference.It just seems like an easy way to fund a purchase without having to deal with lenders (private, hard, banks) and without having to use cash.Thanks!

Being that I live and invest in Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN, I have made it my duty to spread the importance of this distinction because I run into far too many out of state investors that associate ALL of ND and it's RE markets with the success of the Western ND oil industry.