I would challenge the notion of expensing the purchase of repair materials this year if they are not "placed in service" until next year.  

@Justin B. runs one in Gaithersburg, Account Closed run one in Anne Arundel County.The largest REIA in the area is the BWI Meetup.

Aksel,Sometimes the learning curves can be tough but you are asking the right questions.Variances can be tough, it only takes one wack job in the neighborhood to make your life hell.Whenever we buy a property and have a notion for an additional dwelling unit or a change of use there are a few things we do.

This notion came from a book we read called “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki.If you’ve never read that book, please do.

I guess this whole notion of having a "mentor" has me a little stumped.

I'll second the notion with starting with your power base and work from there.

I agree with the general notion that it is a sellers market.

You do not have any preconceived notions or beliefs.  

Selling something that must be "sold" back is not a true sale.  ...I think that covers most of the notions that I have seen in rebuttals promoting partial loan sales.  

There are several investors who have begun their careers in your very situation (myself included) so do not think you have to sit on the sidelines until you have cash, that notion is ridiculous.