A buyers realtor I'll dealing  with will eventually become impatient especially if they have no prior investing experience and I go through the pre-approval process which is only good for 90 days, I'm willing to bet he wants to close on a deal within that time frame and will do whatever it takes to close the deal, justified by time spent getting to that point...I think getting my own real estate licence will allow me to have a better understanding and control of the deal I'm buying into without outside influence and limiting other people involved... after all everyone thinks there time is worth something and return is expected from a client..

The best way to find a partner like this is to look inside your existing sphere of influence, but in general this structure is tough.

I didn't want to put in my estimates, because I didn't want to influence what other people's analysis was.

What matters is the quality of the opinions you accept and allow to influence your decisions.I have people around me achieving success doing fix and flips / rehabs as well as buy-and-holds.Debt reduction is always recommendable.

I would love to acquire a willing and experienced mentor in my area to show me the ropes of the industry as well as influence me regarding my decision making in the industry. 2.

If you don't think it's any good, you can get some money back and not do business with me again or refer me to any of your circle of influence". 

Look at your investing goals - how might others improve your success in attaining these goals.Look at your real estate process - where might others assist you in these processes.1) Financing deals2) Finding deals3) Analyzing deals4) Minimizing the risks of your investmentsetcYour goals will influence your real estate processes.

or is this a special case where a bank is distressed and the FDIC is exerting its influence?

Canadian investors make up nearly 30% of the foreign buyers market in the U.S. and I highly doubt they will be influenced by a visa offer.

What if your doctor also sold insurance, would only write a script at one drug store, or attempted to influence where you got groceries by telling you what to eat?