Depending on the owner's situation and using a variety of negotiating tactics, my business partner and I have been able to get significant discounts while buying properties from those owners directly. 

Understanding and taking advantage of the variety of tax credits boosts the return on your property and allows you to be part of the move to conserve our nation’s historic treasures.When rehabilitating or investing in the rehabilitation of an eligible historic or non-historic building, you may be able to take advantage of one or both of the historic tax credits: 1) Historic Tax Incentives and 2) Historic Preservation Tax CreditsYou can receive a federal income tax credit equal to 20% of the costs associated with rehabilitating the building.

Getting that license opens up a lot of possibilities for you to offer your customers a wider variety of products.

I got quotes from a variety of sources from $400-$600 per opening.

There are definitely a variety of opportunities here, but be sure to build a team first.

the other thing you said that reveals where your at and is a good self-revelation is that you want to move from major renovations. 

Seek out regions with robust population growth, a variety of sectors, and job growth.Make contact with nearby property managers, real estate brokers, and other investors in the desired region.

The investor even nonchalantly said that I don't have to reveal our numbers.

That will reveal who's full of it and who's not.

Please consider factors like price, location, product variety, customer service, and brand loyalty.