It seems like everybody and their brother claim to be a lender these days, but the legit ones have a track record you can investigate. 

All investor were happy and re-invested in a new opportunity to offset the tax consequences.As @Brian Burke pointed out it may be a great time to lock in profits and show an exit on your track record.All the best!

They can make a deal happen when it looks like it’s going to fall apart or they can kill a deal that is on track to close.

Besides the documents mentioned above, the only thing I would add is the track record of the investor.

Importance of Track Record - due to our track record of successfully operating apartment buildings (I've been doing this since 1999 and own 1,000 apartment units today), we were asked to manage this building and then later on, to be its owners.

You want to understand their track record and what have they done.Also ask for a list of 5 references of people who have invested with them.

I understand no contract was signed, but if there is correspondence you can provide when going to court that show there were written agreements of service, and you paid him in a way you can track (PayPal, Check, etc and not cash) then you stand a chance in the argument. 

Hi Cynthia,You are on the right track with your analysis. 

With the full amount with the two combined the buyer can use those funds towards any upgrades needed.Has anyone tried this strategy before, or am I on the wrong track?

The problem I am trying to solve here is identifying the best way to track down next of kin.