And if you get a lower appraisal than you and your agent figured it would be worth don't be afraid to challenge it.The way they pull appraisers to come out is not the old way, the banks have no relationship with that person and that person might have no clue about the area you are in.

But the terms are not great, looking for some contacts for some local banks in Destin that I could start building a relationship with.

If keeping the rental will cause you a financial strain and being that you are in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship I would sell.

Looking for financing options and would prefer someone local to my area to build a relationship with.

my biggest concern with the relationship going forward is i want both of us to be legally protected from hurting each other. so how can i do that?

However, it took work to build that relationship and create a mutual set of expectations before it became passive.Everyone needs mailbox money.

You must always have a great and strong relationship with your Hard Money Investors and with your Private Investors!

Or are you more interested in (and willing to) engage in more of a slower, relationship-oriented approach to negotiating? 

Now I can just pick up the phone as I have built out many solid relationships with very knowledgeable investors.

I'm building relationships right now and don't want to make any silly mistakes.