Part of my longer term strategy is to over the next few years build up a good brand and relationship with brokers and home buyers in my farm area so that when a house I'm brining back to life hits the market, everyone wants to see it and put an offer on itI guess I'm looking for guidance from those more experienced ...will having this same brand on my direct mail pieces be a positive or negative thing?

Start building those relationships.

I have built up many good relationships with contractors during this time, and hope to us this, along with my knowledge of costs, to give me an upper hand in cutting rehab costs.

Any suggestions on the nuts and bolts (contracts, how you structured deal, what % rate of return you offered) and how you managed the relationship to help the investor feel comfortable?

The seller seemed very interested in sitting down and answering any of my questions and establishing a relationship which to me gives him some credibility and his years of experience would be an invaluable asset for me.

For seasoned investors, would you mind sharing which customer relationship management tool you find helpful and why?

The older couple have only been dating a year, and despite the length of the lease, and their income, I suspect if things went south with their relationship, or some of their legal difficulties, I think they'd be more likely to try and wiggle out of the 2 year lease. 

My gut feeling when I am dealing with anyone wanting my money is, what is it going toward and do I feel it's worth it and understand the risks.Private money seems more or a relationship-based lending in that you know the person and can trust the agreement.

I would like to make lasting personal and professional relationships in this endeavor and look forward to getting involved!

This is a relationship and team building business so networking is key.