That could be thousands of dollars, and you might not even close, so they just wasted several grand for no reason.

I'm from Grand Rapids.I use a 11"x18" graph paper and a daily morning workflow - combined with Google Calendar.

I'm based on the west side of the Twin Cities and am investing on MN's North Shore (Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Marais) The house were under contract for is a long-term duplex. 

A grand negative cash flow is not the issue.

I spent a few grand sanding and refinishing.

They ended up costing me a few grand, so much wasted time, and the terms are not even close to what they initially told me.

because I was paying my bird-dogs vs having them pay me and just promise how someday, maybe just maybe they will bring the grand-slam of a deal and then I will be paying them oh-so much $$$$$ Seriously, from those buying into this I gotta understand how your mind works, no insult meant, I am genuinely intrigued and baffled because if it's a good deal you can go to any number of investors and get $, not a one will charge you for the opportunity to present them deal. 

I'm looking for some advice on investing in Michigan generally, and/or Grand Rapids, MI specifically. 

So that's my Rx for you; do LESS, simplify, don't chase grand-slams swing for the bases, focus on the simple obvious, be a good landlord. 

Sure you could hit a grand slam , once or twice in your life , but constant base hits bring in the same amount of runs on a steady basis