The walls are original brick, with some water proofing material painted over the lower half.  

You should place value on culture, track record, transparency, meet the team, get to know the area, ask tough questions, be very diligent.

My rationale is that if there's a problem with the materials, it is the contractor's problem as he/she/they were responsible for getting the material.

I've found the small mulit unit properties to be a tough sale for sure.With SFH - it seems when I don't have any to sell - there are tons of buyers calling.  

Do not put any postcards or any materials in the mailbox without US stamps otherwise it's illegal and against the Post Office Laws.  

which is tough for me with two kids under 2 years old. 

Our suburban Chicago community has so many members we've outgrown our meeting place (where we've been since BEFORE the crash), has weekly study groups to help people understand what they are learning and monthly all-day workshops where one of the instructors from our classes (I believe we are up to 20 instructors now, 49 classes totalling about 500 hours of on-line material available 24/7) comes out and teaches without selling anything.We have other communities around the country, as well.If that's "too good to be true", then good luck to you.One couple in our community just finished a 32-unit project (in four buildings) providing housing for homeless veterans: rents guaranteed by the VA.

Now, that is has cooled, and may be cool for a while, its tough to determine values going forward.

I also swing the hammer, and am buying at or below 50% of FMV. my 10year amm insures i will not get in trouble if time get tough. and my equity position will guaranty I can always sell.

Provide any references you think are helpful.....accountants, attorney's who specialize in real estate, local places to purchase materials, where to get discounts, etc.