@Nick K.There are cases of sponsors putting in little to none of their own capital {Donald Trump comes to mind}, but such folks have a proved track record.

Long Beach does have some very nice areas, but you won't find many investors poorer than Donald Trump investing there.

Trump that Donald!

When I tried to do legal research on this matter so many historical cases came up supporting both sides of this issue, that it amounted to a total break down in the legal system that doesnt recognize any particular piece of real estate law on the matter trumping all others.

If they weren't, then I'd plunk down the cashola, but in general debt that performs trumps burning cash for me :) 

I cannot say enough about this place (Sarasota, FL), it is great in so many ways: lots of cultural events, weather, low taxes, growth, real estate investment opportunities, good schools, great weather for flying planes, beach volleyball, SCUBA diving, great food.So, more about me professionally: I read the Art of the Deal by Donald Trump and was immediate hooked on real estate, that was in my late teens to early 20's as I recall.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it's important for you to realize it, as opposed to thinking you somehow saved $6000...If fixing toilets was really worth $6000 an hour, Donald Trump would be doing that instead of making deals...I'm pretty sure he doesn't see it that way, though...LOL...

Play "match-maker", put the deal together and have a piece of the pie.You can start with a deal a little bigger than you're comfortable with (I am not suggesting you start with Trump's hotel).

Not every REI is donald trump, and not every GC is a big baller like you apparently claim to be.I'm not asking someone for a 5 hour home inspection and walk through.

As Trump said, it makes him smart.