Editing, writing content and research. :) 

Dad tells him he still doesn't need the money and to give it to someone else, just write another check!

Personally, I would rather own more houses, but if you are afraid of paying off a house because of Tax write offs I would think it wont make much of a difference on a house that is worth 165k and I am assuming you interest rate isnt higher than 6%?

I would write down your acceptance criteria for your first investment (cash flow, down payment, building size, etc.).

They have the means to private money which will fund 85%, while I have the remaining 15% - this is where I come in - kind of a third wheel.The agreement is that I contribute my private money and some time for basic rehab, in return for the experience, learning and 15% of net profits, and of course my 15% of initial capital, while they split the rest among themselves.They said  that they will write up all of our contracts, including mine for the 15% initial project capital, as well as, my 15% return on net profit. 

Another lawyer ***** that I the displeasure of closing with, she chose a time for closing one day, and when I arrived, she was at lunch, she berated the staff in front of me for stupid stuff, really struggled with the power of attorney we have used for years (made by another local lawyer) and ended up writing her own power of attorney - That she wouldn't even let us keep hold of???

You could also think about writing a formal letter asking to meet with them to discuss the possibility of forming a referral network.

If that doesn't work for you then you can always drive for dollars on weekends and look for houses that are abandoned looking or in disrepair then look up the owners address on the tax assessor site and write him/ her a letter stating that you would like to purchase their house if they are interested in selling.

I am wondering if you can take possession of a property while it is in probate if its in the sellers name (is that even possible) if not I was looking to write an option to buy contract and the close date be after the probate.

Plus, you add the fact that you can write offers at any time of the day/night.