I feel it is a good decision and one that would help save me money and build equity.

1) I can tell you that you don't have to get a mortgage lender to get a "good feel" about you in order for them to make the decision about whether or not to work with you. 

Just keep that in mind when making your decisions! 

You made a great decision to join.

I would prefer a local experienced investor with significant (i.e. more) equity at risk than myself who will make the right decisions on behalf of the investor group.

Anyways the question I have is this...I'm really trying to figure out where to put money first as far as marketing goes, have website and business cards etc...but as far as the marketing goes its a tough decision.

It's imperative that you have all options presented to you so that you can make an educated decision for you and yours.I hope this helps and have a great night.  

For people saying this looks like a good deal, how much does the current housing market affect your decision?

All responses you guys give become a part of my decision process.  

At best, if they haven’t fallen asleep or tuned the investor out, they have already made a decision.