@ jarese for starters..i would say identify your strengths...are u a people person..a numbers guy...have a lot of time..a money guy where u have funds to go residential versus commerical..however this last criteria may be a little skewed given the fact commerical property can be acquired fairly cheap in the detroit market...i would also say decide if u want to get into the rehab bussiness the landlordong business wholesaling birddogging etc...all these things can make u money but i would suggest that u pick one and stick to that until u meet a predetermined goal u set for your real estate objectives

@Colin M. As

If you’re not getting the service they promised, might be worth trying for a refund and getting your own repair person. As

My questions are does anyone know who to speak to in person as a start (more importantly who to stay away from) as well as the best way to start a conversation and what is the potentially the best approach to seeing our plans thru?

We don't have our business set up yet so we are assuming we can only get less than 14k from each person as a gift to stay within IRS guidelines.

Or am I obligated to add the new person as a master tenant to the original lease?

I spoke with the contractor today and I am actually going to go to see his crew on a project in person as well as follow up with the referrals he has given.  

If you want the deal, you have to buy it from the person as that person has it encumbered.

Lastly, if you give an option to someone and they decide not to exercise it, (you said forfeit) I would give that person a part of their money back, but probably not all and you certainly don't have to give it the person all at once!

What if this guy is just as mean in person as on the phone?