If they ask why I mailed them the letter I always state that my buddy noticed that their house was vacant and told me about it.  

I'll actually be in Liberty Hill for New Year's as it's my buddy's birthday and we're going to be staying at his place, small world.- I've been reading/hearing about other investors finding good brokers on LoopNet as a way to get to their better deals.  

On the flip side I have a buddy who started like you, then bought a few more and he has paid down some of the debt, but makes enough to run around the country snowmobiling and dirt biking(has been out west doing that for almost a month straight now).

After you catch up let me know I have a buddy who is an REO broker in NYC.

My wife and a few buddies went to Pitt. 

The other newbies will give you a "buddy" that will be in the same position as you...and that will help working/learning together.  5 - Keep coming back here to ask questions.

., my buddies have been in the Ypsilanti market since we graduated from high school (30 years ago).

As for your buddy, issues are bound to come up if your at it enough ( in my opinion) but like others have stated, screening is vital!

You seem well established Scott congrats on that buddy.

He has since entered into our close circle of Real Estate investor buddies, and ended up buying a property we had discussed that first day a year ago.