I have called the office number dozens of times, but it always seems to be busy.

It's too large of an investment to get it wrong; you need bench strength.Real estate investing is a risk business.

.- Time: our project is suitable for investors that are too busy to generate an extra stream of income. - Safety: our company guarantees return on investment on each project listed on the website.- Refund Policy: investors can request for a refund at any given time.- Location: You can invest from anywhere in the world.If you wish to sponsor this project, please download our Joint Venture Contract Agreement form, fill the form and send back to us for reviewKind regards,Matt Cornwall Venture Analyst, Strandpark Properties +1 (305) 824-2203

Heck even culinarily the restaurants that are popping up are impressive (which I take as a great sign of the people and businesses that it's attracting). 

I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice starting off with this business model.

Most work like this: Rates: 9% to 13% (Most Deals are 11-12%)Terms: up to 36 Months (Most Deals are 6-12 months)Fees: 2-4 points(%) of loan amount paid at closing (Most Deals are 3 points(%))Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000 (For loans less than $250,000 $2,500 minimum fee)Max Loan: 65%-70% of After Repair Value(ARV)100% Rehab Financing Available (Require 20% of purchase price down payment or cross-collateral)Closing Timeframe: 48 Hours - 3 Weeks (Most Deals are 2 Weeks)NO PRIMARY RESIDENCES, NON-OWNER OCCUPIED ONLY, BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL USE ONLY.

(check page 7 of this IRS Pub)Something that's non-passive and you materially participate means you can deduct those losses up to the excess business loss limit. 

Thus creating a monopoly that I don't know how to get out of.I've worked years in this industry from the PM-end and never seen anyone try to bill a percentage off the security deposit and, though a little digging is showing me it CAN be done, it seems like bad business.

It makes lead management way more efficient since they get to focus on people who actually want to do business. 

You will get a ton more business, and their fees are easy to make up for...