That way if one goes bad, you have the choice to default the other one.

You can always have them sign something stating that you have advised them to do this and it is their choice, that would show that you were not trying to coerce them into a bad deal.Regarding step 5, I would never have the buyer sign the contract first.

(A pretty popular way to do it here on BP)While getting your feet wet in addition to educating yourself and building a network here on BP (Which is a great start!)

The vacancy could be high for many reasons, such as: 1) High rent/deposit or screening criteria 2) Poorly advertised to potential business owners 3) No popular stores or business types that might attract regular customers e.g. chinese eatery, nail spa, pizza place, pawn shop, liquor store

It would have been cheaper to buy him a bus ticket to the town of his choice, give him some cash for his vacation and bid him farewell....although from the sounds of it, this guy would have preferred to continue on right where he was...there is often no way to reason with mental illness, drugs or just plain stupidity.

@Adam F yeah definitely was NOT on my career choice list. not hard feelings for my dad as he was doing what he could to take care of his family, but I would never take a job I had to be away like that unless it was last option.

Getting my Real estate license I feel is the obvious choice for my long term goals.

Everyone has different situations, maybe the price is right but suddenly I have a family issue that keeps me out but that is a more important choice.

As to same or separate lenders it is a personal choice.

I am curious why DC is so popular?