Look if you are determined to spend your money on a course, go to the Bigger Pockets seminar!  

There is usually a hearing to determine if this is done.

If you don't have the additional mental bandwidth, can't deal with stress in healthful way or do not have much time to commit atleast 14 months of focus then do not build.

Most investors take a look at the available rental units in a particular market,  determine if its a good or bad market based on DOM and either dismiss the market all together or replicate the housing units that are absorbed.

Most of our investments we look at IRR (time value of money) to determine which investment is a good fit for us at this time - which factors in returns, risk and time of investment - is it a short term investment we want to get appreciation play or long term fixed income investment.

Can I dictate the remitter listed on the check (LLC vs controller vs IRA) based on the needs of the transaction - my local bank would at least give me that much latitude - or is that determined by these banks?

Check on ownership status before you get into escrow.Get multiple inspections to be able to really determine the extent of repairs.Try to align yourself with the best contractors, had good referrals, but somehow nobody stood behind their warranties.Have a good lawyer and local accounting firm.Talk to locals to see how things are done and what's happening around you.Have patience!

As for this offering I think the sponsor can send that out to anyone in their data base that they determine they have a business relationship with.. ??

But I was determined to find someone who can help me fund them. 

Become a Material Participant.We are given a clear framework for determining Material Participation (not passive) in Pub 925.There are 7 scenarios that will get you there.Material participation scenarios (Pub 925):1. 500 hours.2.