always valuable to throw yourself in a guest's shoes and turn everything on and make sure it functions well or as intended. 

Now I do not know if the investors who were offered payment plans were part of the REIT but if I was in their shoes,  I would take the installment payout solely out of concerns related to the valuations. 

They called the office asking for us to buy them new shoes.

If I were in your shoes, I’d seriously consider selling the $650K property.

If I was in your shoes I personally would pass.

Now I am wearing the other shoe and it’s nice.

If I am in your shoes I would buy 2-4 units, get a conventional loan, ask the sellers to pay for the max contribution (3%) towards closing costs.

I am new to RE and would like to hear from seasoned members who have either been in this shoe or who are well versed with this situation. 

There's nothing wrong with renting for a year, getting your shoes on the ground, and learning more about the market. 

I know if I were in your shoes I would want someone to head over (ie...boots on the ground).