This one was strange because I ended up splitting the companies and partners involved in the deal so we liquidated halfway through the project. 

Build a solid foundation before taking a step up - each and every step of the way.There’s a way to scale recklessly and there is a way to scale safely.When OPM is involved safe is way better than reckless.Despite a life long career in RE, I scaled as followsBought a few duplexes for my own accountBought a fourplex for my own accountBought 12 units as a JV with some friendsSyndicated 43 unitsSyndicated 30 unitsBought another 12 units as a JVSyndicated 281 unitsThis was over a 3 or 4 year period.and so forth - now I am GP in close to 1000 units with $125M AUM.Even with all that, my sweet spot is 30 to 50 unit properties - they work best for my partners and I and more importantly our investors. 

In my experience, the good ones are expensive, typically require a subscription, and sometimes they even do a physical inspection of your premises to verify it is a legitimate person / business in US.

Unlike our real estate investment, there weren’t hefty transfer fees involved in either the purchase or sale.

I’ve been in this business a long time, and I know firsthand how overwhelming that first deal can feel—especially when it comes to financing.

I'm sure he could give you some pointers on setting up a business and creative ways to save money.

Quote from @Garry Lawrence: I need advice on a serious situation involving a property I’m about to buy.

I suspect, as more and more leasing-related disputes are occurring involving credit cards, the companies have already figured out their method of handling these claims.

Great way to build a business and a rolodex of listings/sellers.

This arrange that you will have will likely be a headache(major assumption on my part).First - Do not do business with a friend.