Quote from @Nate McCarthy: @Jake Andronico, thanks for the input--I agree that any deal I would propose would have to be compelling to the seller, hence this think tank!

A few comments from my perspective (and after reading @Dan H. comments):I agree with Dan, and view this as a negative cash flow property as well, given that more than 20% down was necessary to make it work with what I suspect is a non-commercial 30 year note given the interest rate. 

At that point we hired an independent appraiser and the numbers came back good and the hard money lender agreed to use them.  

I was also considering the REI expo in February so maybe I'll see you there.You're a self-proclaimed novice but I think many other members of the community would agree that you're well on your way given your potential cashflowing rental and equity.You seem to have a strong position which would allow you to keep growing your portfolio in the next few years.I'd recommend diversifying your RE portfolio the same way you're diversifying with other investments (REITs, Stocks, bonds etc.).

And always check social media for red flags and I agree with Vince, always meet a person.  

Any underwriter will agree with you and I am not going to argue against obvious.

Hehe @Lisa Marie I agree with you.

@Christopher Corso  Christopher, I completely agree that there are a lot of meetups that are really thinly veiled sales pitches. 

@Bayo Badejo Agreed, that Zip touches a lot of different areas, from the national park to south of exchange.

I agree with the comments above.Most important is a fully furnished, comfortable property with the basic amenities: coffee, teas, functional kitchen (all utensils, spices, cooking and baking, etc.)