Also one problem is that your buyer had already engaged the seller which is an issue because if he seemed eager to them prior to your call, why would they need you.

Real estate agents routinely engage in lease option transactions and generally make the lease option a compensable part of their listing agreements.

.; how to find a good agent, how to analyze properties, how to engage in thorough due diligence, how to manage a property, etc.

Don't tie up any more of your cash than needed.Evidence of financing - You are just starting the process and won't be able to fully engage lenders until you have an accepted offer. 

What I've found to be helpful is to engage with people/groups individually and understand the questions they have, and then answer those questions.

At the least upload a picture and start engaging on the forums will help connect to others.

Being as your here in my home market, I will shoot you a PM on these if interested in engaging.

That being said, it's still hard to not make the comparison and feel like I'm an idiot for not being where they are - that's why I keep social media off my phone until I need to update my content or engage with my network. 

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categoriesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I am also actively involved in non-profit work and would like to become more engaged with the issue of affordable housing.