Though it is an amazing help to get financing for the rehab, it surely raises a lot of questions!

Probably a good thing since, it would raise my taxes higher then income will offset. 

However, when I see what I consider an inexperienced team try to raise funds last summer on one portal (and fail) pop up on yet another portal nine months later, with the same "experienced sponsor" mantra, something is amiss.Don't get me wrong, I think there is a need for CF and it will continue to grow and offer opportunities, but what you said rings very true. 

I'm in the process of testing out direct marketing in the Sacramento area as well, would be interesting to share our results :)

I've driven by and from the outside its in much better condition than the price tag says (just my uneducated eye test).

I prefer online testing/study guides.

I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN THE LAS VEGAS/HENDERSON AREA, AND KNOW IT VERY WELL.  

I do not have a problem with this since I'm one of the many people who have nothing to start out with and I feel as though this is a viable way to raise capital to help build my real estate business.So here is what has happened and what I need advice about.I meet with a local REI with 10+ years experience.

A recent personal example is of a commercial property I bought for $180K, made some improvements, raised rents and now have around $80K in equity.  

The other biggest benefit is, water habits don't typically change, so if you see that water usage raises by 3500 gallons a month, good clue that extra people have moved in...