I sold the other Class C while it was vacant - I saw the writing on the wall so decided to cut my losses. 

Living in the Los Angeles area sounds somewhat similar to what you experienced with cost of homes etc. thank you for writing this up!

I've tried to include relative information, without writing a novel. 

I'd offer him his $190,000 if he will take payments at 3%, NO BALLOON, you'll make good money and get tax write offs. 

All this just to hopefully cashflow a few hundred $$ a month, doesn't seem worth it.Lately, I am really leaning on just investing in REIT's like Realty Income (o). as I write this Realty Income is at $57.75 paying $0.264 monthly dividend.  

There is a relationship established between the lender and the broker, usually in writing.

But the moment you say "well that sounds awesome, can you get that over to me in writing" it instantly turns into uhm's ah's and but's. 

Someone in the build chain knows the guy who writes the checks.

Did you have an agreement in writing signed by both you and the designer regarding payment schedule and purchases?

. :-)I agree though - get them involved in a real way (having them help write/advise/ formulate the goals) this will get into their heads faster than just plain talk.I would add this: maybe for the second 'meeting', go on a Field Trip!