since they are not saying how much and they require some registration before they can surprise you with the hefty price I guess.Also anyone know a good source of training on RE investing around NYC area?

Of course, handwritten letters are super time consuming but if you keep your pen/marker and paper handy, you'd be surprised how many you get done during your downtime.Best of luck to you!

After the buyout was signed one of them says he received an unexpected offer and the family will be moved to NYC for what I presume is an even higher paid job.

I would be surprised if they have puppies living with people who need trained service dogs.

unexpected costs?

They also offered a surprising amount of assistance (marketing, leads, training) even given the zero desk fees.

I am surprised that you were able to find something like that for that price.  

Pay no more than $9000 and keep the $1000 for unexpected repairs.

Yes, life is full of surprises.

Read all the highly recommended  books, bought the Carlton Sheets, attended a rich dad seminar (surprisingly no Kiyosaki), a couple of flavor of the year gurus, joined a local REIA for two years, Listened to podcast on BP.