I am brand new to the site and investing all your information will be greatly appreciated and the more comments the better.

I had time on my side plus rentals with a very nice cashflow to pay for under performing properties .  

In regards to your concerns, you should put together an MOU regarding the terms of your agreement with performance clauses protecting both parties, and eventually lead to a JV agreement.There are several other methods to protect yourself as well as the owner/seller, however, too lengthy to write about.Don't be too greedy, otherwise it will limit your relationships and longevity. 

If you do not perform, they'll just move on.

Perhaps the question would be, based on the described circumstances, how do you convert a non performing asset such as this into a performing asset?

In my opinion, CAP rates and NOI are a great way to compare properties to each other you're when doing business with other investors, but Cash on Cash is a great way to see how one property will perform for your personal operating assumptions, compared to the next.

The note was non-performing so the bank sold the note off likely at a good discount.

People can say what they want I've negotiated down to $5,000 for a non-performing assets. 

While you may be exempt from the DF Act, you are still subject to predatory lending issues, too much financed, over priced property, borrower placed in a position where they can not perform, lacks ability to pay, and other matters may apply.

Hello all, I am brand spankin' new to the real estate world.