They would rather be in their trucks, driving around town looking at deals, meeting with sellers, sitting at the seller’s kitchen table, making offers, chasing the deal.

He can find a hard money lender (maybe) that will only charge him a high interest rate but that would be far less than having to split the profits.So before I would completely write off suggesting you just hire the contractor, I think it depends on what else they bring to the table that you possibly do not. 

@jeanette If you can make it 10/15 is our orange county meetup at 07:00PM Location: ROUND TABLE PIZZA, LAKE FOREST Fee to Attend: FreeThis is a great opportunity to network and to speak with other seasoned investors. 

By far the best deal I've found in California lately (condo is in a good neighborhood near 15 fwy /60 fwy interchange).I know I have the dreaded "sample size of 1" to work with but am I crazy to think that I should focus on going after short sales and look for unique opportunities in CA to give offers under asking? 

Most here can't define real property and why it is valuable or explain why RE is unique and different fro other investments, The basis for valuations, nor have I seen much on the three valuation techniques of property and why one is given more weight than another.

If you can make real offers and come to the table with real cash, you are someone that any agent or broker would love to work with...

It is a good property in a good neighborhood and would be perfect for a cosmetic rehab and flip, or to continue as a rental (with me on the other side of the table).

@brandonkargo he is willing to take a lost and bring money to the table and he appeared willing to go lower.  

I've heard Piggyback loans mentioned where you finance 80% with the bank via your home mortgage, 10% via a private loan, and bring 10% cash + closing costs to the table.

I'm very very new to the real estate market and looking for any useful and unique tips on evaluating my first investment purchase and getting off to the right start.