One strong indicator of an amateur, at least in my book, is when a supposed investor makes assumptions on how the deal is going to work out without any investigation into the specific situation.

I also do some amateur boxing and wrestling tournaments.

Get it permitted and done right.Also, you're doing something that throws a lot of moisture into the air, vent it incorrectly and you could have a serious moisture and mold problem down the road.Get someone that really knows their stuff, this is NOT amateur hour.all cash

The sources hate amateurs, know the lingo.

My thought is no sense on scaring off the owner or losing a potential deal with a amateur agent.

Just don't rely on us amateurs giving you on line advise, check with a real expert in the field before you put your money at risk. 

My belief is you only get one chance with these types of people and if you come off as an amateur then you lose that person forever.

Mind you the owners of this property have thousands of properties they are no amateurs.  

This is not a game for amateurs.

The MLS and auction properties have too much competition and amateur investors are willing to pay too much for them.