thanks for the warm welcomes.thinking of rent and holds. however with the areas of Nj that we like (bedminster, basking ridge), i can only find cash flow neutral/slightly positive rentals. 

I'd stay clear of anything other than one neutral color. :) 

Its business- you have two choices when the situation on the battlefield changes- make a strong counter move that neutralizes your opponent, or fold.

Interest from the notes accrues tax deferred both your and the other investors self directed accounts (somewhat pass through) and you can use the funds from the other investor in your business since the loan is from a neutral third party.Another scenario, is that your 401K partner not be an owner or participant in the Leasing Company and he can loan directly from the self directed to the Leasing Company.

A neutral, light beige or light grey, depending on the flooring, house type, and kitchen cabinets, and a white (not ultra-white, but white) semi-gloss on trim.

However, I suspect many people thought the same thing at each quick appreciation time such as 1978, 1990, 2003 but as we now know the appreciation from what seemed like exorbitant prices of 1978 would have been a very good return even if purchased at the height of that market (assuming a financed purchase and at least neutral cash flow).I look at San Diego residential RE historical appreciation and am challenged to find any 10 year period in the last 50 years where San Diego appreciation has not exceeded inflation. 

Ask any neutral party out there. 

Is there a scenario in that size of a lease that is so rare and so net neutral that it really doesn't have a negative effect on you the landlord even if it happens?

Odoban is great for neutralizing the pet odor you must locate the exact source of the smells and saturate that area with the solution let it sit for a while and then extract the liquid.

For most people paying tax now or later is somewhat neutral - sure you may be able to avoid 3.8% tax if there is a large gain but the risk of holding a note and losing liquidity is likely a bigger factor.