@Jon Holdman thank makes sense, I think I just need to get a deal under my belt to get a full grasp on it.  

You have a few under your belt now.

Looking at my first property (duplex) in the rust belt for the time being.

Hi Lauren - I'm a relatively new investor with a couple of buy and holds under my belt in the Raytown and S.

:The real issue is Michael could not prepare legitimate offering documents because he has no background or experience that would induce someone to invest with him.A little rude in the delivery, but correct: You need to get a couple deals under your belt before anyone will trust you.

I'm going in with no expectations so if the deal goes through or if he rejects my offer outright it would still be great experience to add under my belt.

Since we don't have any deals under our belt .

In my opinion, I think it would be smarter to invest in Wisconsin over Chicago for my first deal, and then transition into larger markets once I have more experience under my belt.

There is a difference between a 2 year, 5 year , 10 year goal with thought out numbers, especially with at least a couple of deals under your belt that prove your premise, and totally different view if you have zero to no experience hanging on someone else's word.....especially when that someone has a conflict in interest...( trying to sell you products, properties or services)..Do at least 1 or 2 deals and real life will show if your plan or their plan for you is valid.

Get going, take action, get some deals under your belt and then open your business.