Even when I did reach them the first time,  the other person on the other line sounds like a moron who doesn't know how to help. 

Yikes I am almost afraid to jump in on this one, however, I know Joe personally and he is not a scammer.

I got a deal on labor as I know the contractor personally and helped out a bit with the project.

I’m just getting started in real estate investing and am looking to acquire my first investment property.I’d love to connect with like-minded investors, lenders, and mentors who can share insights or personal journey.

Asking your agent (or other on-the-ground person) to look at the property and take pictures in your place? 

Other companies have come in person to do it.Every year, I get new 4-point inspections on ALL of my properties and send to my agent to re-shop my insurance rates. 

So is this just as simple as showing how much the property makes or do they also look at personal debt to income, credit score, reserves etc as well.

I'm willing to help this person in any way I can.

Personalities and business practices vary widely.Lesson 3: Be willing to pivot to avoid potential future concerns, and know that a small win, or breaking even is better than a total loss.Lesson 4: Commercial loan process was great to learn and now I have built a relationship with a commercial lender.

@Peter Dukaj personally think the government should make it more expensive to build than renovate.