Aloha Mary,  if you need local tax assistance, Gorden from Tax Services of Hawaii is a great resource.   

Investors, (two of us) ultimately funded about 32% of the project with cash and additional money was raised from members of the local REIA, simply by word of mouth.

cash flow can decrease.I recommend everyone start in their local market whether that is a cash flow market or appreciation market.  

Detroit can vary block to block, it is best to work with a local agent who is familiar with Detroit and investing. 

. - For greater than 5+ multi family properties the 'best' initial source for financing could be a local credit union or bank.

I then recently moved into doing flips, JVing with other investors, and I’m ready to start flipping independently since I have gotten experience.I’m a big fan of the more local the better, given, they will know the smaller markets as well as the big in my city; however, I am open to lending opportunities farther out. 

In the time Jesse taught me how to connect with local businesses and to build a Rolodex of companies to book my property.

Lastly, I would imagine that with all of the small business ownership involved, there's probably a local bank that already has a UCC filed and is unlikely to play ball with a private lender who's trying to realize their collateral.

Regarding charges for damages, it depends on state & local laws AND court/judge tendancies.Most leases state tenants must return a property back to the owner/landlord in the same or better condition than when they took possession - normal wear & tear excepted.So, what is "normal wear & tear"?

We looked at full time management locally but decided to build out a team instead.