I'm pretty confident I can get the investment backing, but I want to get my ducks in a row (renderings, investment return, etc|) before I approach my pool of investors, so as to look legit:)  Before doing that, however, I want to be able to articulate the structure of the deal.In the case where the land owner is involved, is he/she a equity stakeholder with a preferred IRR in the deal?  

I wanted to speak with people that have used the firm, but they wouldn't provide references due to client confidentiality.  

@Sterling White and @Mark Brogan - seller has sent me a confidentiality agreement which asks for me to not reach out to the current tenants.

I could have rented a trencher for $150 bucks (probably)) but I felt confident I could knock it out... and I did! 

I am not aware of it being confidential unless you have agreed to those terms....maybe a pm can chime in...But a clever person may be able to get your name and contact info through an assessor database or other public source ..As to your question, I find tenants that leave owing you money tend to have just the opposite reaction (more flight than fight)..

No idea as to how effective they are and suspect the franchise holders would keep this info pretty confidential.

I have to experience in real estate investing but am confident I can be successful with the right knowlege, highly motivated and would appreciate some good tips on starting out in this business

If I had my current business plan of cash/terms/list I'm confident I would have had 3-5 deals.  

Elmwood village is great but a little pricey for me at the moment, thinking about West Buffalo as well close to Richmond but not as familiar with the areas enough to feel confident (I know it's going into a Renaissance mode but like any city, has its good and bad pockets)For 2016 I plan to buy at least 2 more properties, ideally 1 as a flip and 1 SFH rental, then continue to multiply my output moving forward.Any suggestions, insight, tips, or contacts would be much appreciated, may you all have a wonderful and prosperous day ahead of you.Best Regards,Derek Browning

I was referred to this agent from several people so I was confident I was in good hands but maybe I need to re-evaluate.