In that case, I may determine market rates and raise them to 90% of that as a reward.

I believe that I am still in the research and learning stage of my RE journey, but I am proud to say that I have determined that my overall goal is cashflow (qualitative) with an immediate goal of $1000/mo (quantitative).I am on ep. 50 of the BP Rookie podcast, and I don't think anyone has been on (yet) that is investing in CA.

Don't let your excitement and determination to get a deal funded blind you to the notorious red flags of so called Private Money Lenders.

Josh,Unless you have documentation that a qualified Arborist determined that the tree was in some way a danger of falling and proof that the owner of the property where the tree was, received that documentation, you will have a very hard time with a claim against the other owner.   

You should first determine fair market value regardless of what the sellers are asking for.

My determination will get me through it.

Nothing to do with the value of the future property.. the value of the future property is only useful in determining how much of the gain you are able to defer if you properly executed a 1031 exchange.Just make sure you look into this and OZ opportunities "before" you sell your next property!!!!

@Javen Bowman your determination is admirable.

., creating a criteria, studying a market, making connections in market (realtors, lenders, etc) and I've determined I still need about six months of saving/paying off debt before we are really to purchasein the meantime I do not want to just sit on my hands. is there anything i can do to provide value to any experienced investors (bird dog, etc)?

Determine your needs 2.