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 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.

It will also be highly influenced on the area in which you reside.

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.

However I've been influenced a lot lately to consider the tax-write off lease option, especially if you use it for business.So it may be more of a question for a CPA but what is there anyone that can shed a little light on this?  

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.

Should be worth an award and 10,000 influence points.