Not many people looking to get into real estate bring 20 mil to the table, so I'd say thats not an option.

He likes to do figure 8's around the couch and coffee table...lolSorry for being off topic.Alex

So far the only books I have are a few of Kiyosaki's and one called Investing in Real Esate (Gary Eldred).Also, any ideas as to how my father's law firm could give us a competitive edge or at least something to bring to the table for networking?

Are they the same as a listing agent just on the other side of the table?

Well due to the appraisal (bank being ultra conservative) I was going to walk away from the deal for the fact that I would have to come to the closing table with too much money which would shoot my ROI all to hell.I told the sellers agent that the only way I can move forward with this deal is if they are willing to owner finance it.

I fell in love with property management and real estate industry and decided I wanted to be on the owner side of the table and not the sales/vendor side.

You have something to bring to the table then lets work together to make some money.

I was told that the funds must be my own and if the investor brings funds to the table for the A to B transaction it could be considered mortgage fraud.

If the bank or anyone takes the first offer you make in a hostel negotiation you left money on the table plain and simple.

If your only strategy is to influence the BPO, then your better off going to a roulettte table causee you will have better odds in Vegas than making money in short sales.