Rents have been pretty close to what the housing authorities advertise, sometimes even a bit higher.Fort Wayne’s a solid spot with low taxes and good cash flow—definitely worth looking into.

Blue Gate Capital strung me along until very close to closing and almost cost me the deal.

Vacancy hurts a bit more, but the biggest issue with renting out large homes is turnover cost.

Is it high appreciation area with a low rate mortgage?

Personally I like keeping my properties that I know are successful and have low maintenance.

Some of the materials we choose and asked him to pick up (such as flooring) he replaced with low quality materials, I assume to keep more of our money for himself. 

Not too bad when the inventory is low, the number of sales is low (like a 30 year low), interest rates are high and prices are high. 

Consider this the cost of your education.

The type of the neighborhoods where his properties were located didn't fit in with my plan but he did well and the purchase costs were low.

If the other two parties want to flip a house maybe they can do just that as partners and then sell you the house which you can buy with a primary home loan with low down payment.