He has a good support system in place including monthly counseling sessions with drug testing.

Darryl,My thoughts and prayers are with you about you wife's mother.The topic of loansJust look on Bigger Pockets to find the right lender: What you need: You have to have some kind of income to support the loan, and you have to have a down payment.

As you will find much sound advice and some crazy ideas here, the good news is that this is a place where you can find support.

The same if your contractor made an honest mistake but did so because the spout was misplaced years ago (as an example).Stay in a position where the facts you find support YOUR position and argument; adjust accordingly. 

My dad has been investing in real estate for over 30 years, so I've had his support. 

My goal is to build my portfolio over time and ultimately I just want some stable income to support my ever growing family and if all works out, maybe I can pull off an early retirement. 

Are you sure the area can support a coffee shop, there used to be a pretty good one across from the court house that also sold trinkets that went out of business a few years ago.  

Let's try this another way...You all have taken the time to support my efforts without knowing me and that is truly a powerful and inspiring notion.  

Though my family and friends are as supportive as I can hope for, there's a limit to how much they'll listen to me ramble about real estate. 

Do the tracks need lubrication or have they come loose from the supports?