But, this is a unique market and flippers are running very tight margins.

Selling houses is more of an art than a science as each seller, each buyer, each plot of land and each home is unique (unless you are in the cookie-cutter square box neighborhoods).  

@Jonathan Greene that's a very unique investment lol I wouldn't think to buy an old church and turn into a college rental.

Exception would be if they're attempting to create a bidding war, but I believe those are rare houses indeed with something unique/special to offer. 

There is no flat answer I can offer you here, because as you can see, it all depends on the unique economic facts and circumstances of the partners.

What will help you most is your unique knowledge of your area, your own personal taste and expertise, and your willingness to seek out help when you need it (again, Google will come in handy here).Laurie has known Mike Woods and his family for many years, having worked for his real estate company in the past.

Mixed use comes with some unique benefits and challenges.

Invest in Performing Notes.You can get a general idea of an area's profitability or buildings by looking at the CAP rate, but each asset is unique.

Rent is rent and Rhode Islanders are unique.  

Given that ever deal can be unique a good Mortgage Broker knows exactly which lenders would be interest in each deal.