Often, these numbers sound incredibly high relative to the loan amount.

Very useful answer!  

What can I do to help him (and help me) for him to be in a position to be able to pay his rent?

You need to always be changing with the market, testing and poking to see what marketing works better and what does not work at all. 

It's a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood in Columbus that is also similar to Southern Orchards.

And when a rising tide is lifting all boats, groups that amplified their results by using risky high leverage could score some massive returns until the music stopped, then will subsequently struggle to keep the rest of their portfolio out of foreclosure.

But I feel I see some people grow rather rapidly. wasn't sure if they were using some sort of other method to get ahead. 

It used to be quicker.

If you come to me and say you super handy ready to take on a major renovation my answer will be different compared to if you come to me saying you need turnkey and 30 minute commute to NYC.  

@Bryan PriceI am guessing you did not use a title company.Everything you did in this transaction was wrong (sorry to be the brutally honest one)When you lend you1.