I prefer cold hard honesty over a fairytale anyday. 

They prefer to invest near the track. 

I prefer mortgage brokers.

Can you tell me what style you prefer and why?  

A follow on.......sorry.......I want to add that it is OK....even preferable to bide your time and learn about all the different facets of RE investing.  

I think it does comes down to personal preferences.  

With your current structure, you could just walk away; he is taking the hit.You may also want to offer a preferred return; meaning the investor makes the first X percentage or dollars of the projected profit.

He's open to a conventional loan, but would prefer the owner carry and is willing to look into hard money Sacramento Redding Chico 

You'll probably have a window or two in a garage, so there's that, and the cost of a garage door and the opener.Most people prefer garages to carports.

I should note that I would prefer an online course if possible (I think that's approved in California?)