My question is, can I expect answers from the listing realtor to questions that will likely influence how quickly the transaction could be completed?

Bill, are you trying to get ABOVE 100 influence?!!!

If so and you are don't be influenced by this requirement.

As another example I just have made an offer on short sale house listed for 350,000 my offer was 260,000 then the appraiser has appraised that house at 280,000 I’m sure he was influenced by my offer.

That's the down side to consider, but depending on your area of influence this aspect can be quickly disolved.

Depending on how you want to join your investors together also influences other portions of the fund.

I don't always enjoy it when Rich and Will do battle, but when I do, its typically because I started the thread and will enjoy the increase in influence.

That's not a great way to influence folks in your real estate community.This is a very good example of why I suggest investors go to a real estate school instead of buying guru books (not saying that applies to you Grant) to get an understanding of how things are done in RE.

There are so many factors that will influence any average that it becomes almost a meaningless number to anyone except yourself.

Real estate investing is far more hands on than your 401k or mutual funds, but the added control and direct influence of the returns seems to be something more real estate investors want.You sound like you want to passively invest in real estate.