That's a technique for seeking out property owners that they use in the US all the time.

Any suggestions of what I need to ask for, how to analyze the areas (I think all his properties are already occupied) and/or where to seek help and/or JV partners (I feel dumb posting this).Doug 

My agent and broker is not assisting me in trying to recover my earnest money.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

The goals that I hope to achieve through real estate investing are: 1) to provide a cash flow stream for my mother as she gets older and requires assisted living or nursing home facilities, 2) provide a cash flow stream for my younger brother (who has Down's Syndrome) as he gets older and requires assisted living facilities and increased medical attention, and 3) provide a means of early retirement for me and my older brother.While listening to BP podcast #276 (my favorite) the other morning, I had that lightbulb moment of how to get started in real estate investing. 

Regarding: Assistance Animals In CA, I'm a landlord of an upstairs space inside our single family home.

When I am seeking lenders that hold their own paper I (1) go to the local REIA and find out who partners and lends privately, but that will take some time building relationships (2) go to smaller more localized banks, not mortgage lenders or brokers as they by definition are selling their loans.I have also found that if you go to banks in smaller markets outside of the metro, where there is only one or two offices that you often deal directly with the bank president and can make some great loans and connections.And I just posted this on another question - but go to local REIA meetings, meetups and the like, talk to people, vendors and build relationships and you will be able to get some great referrals - just like here at BP, only live and face to face - I think there is even a live BP meeting in Waldo this week? 

Also asking the seller for 2% seller assist.

Prior advice still stands on seeking a lawyer's counsel.

Perhaps your state has something similar and your RE agent should be able to assist you with this.