Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

I hope you found someone and you were able to close!

Any deal that I've found seems to have sold within the last 2 years, and its alarming as to why it's back on market again unless they have problems with the building and/or tenants.

you say you "found it" - is it on the market, or off? 

That is exactly what traction helps you do that @Chris Seveney pointed out.It doesn't have to be perfect, but just getting something down on paper will be a huge help - at least, that's what I found when I started our Chicago general contracting business.  

You said: "I wouldn't have a what or why at all if I hadn't found BP!!" 

@Steve CastagnettaBe honest have not really found a very good one - and I always question data - why?

@Jacques CaspiTo succeed in real estate investing, I’ve found it’s crucial to budget for unexpected expenses, focus on thorough tenant screening, and build strong relationships with contractors.

As you mentioned, it might be difficult timing the sales of each of properties where you can achieve a combined exchange (multiple properties into 1 property / or a few properties).Just a quick note that may be helpful - I work with a group of investors that can help with a combined exchange into a single property and will buy it back once you've found a replacement propertie(s) as the final destination for your capital.

Hi All - I found a lead on a MFH (5+ units) that is a short sale.