The most I can do is go through 2 bankers boxes of documents to try to piece it together.

I love Philly's commitment to public transportation, but it seems a little weak on the map/documentation side.

In today's world, with the plethora of technology regarding communications and document sharing, you no longer need a local CPA.  

Be careful the owner is not pocketing the money without giving you some sort of documentation on how much was your initial payment, and monthly payments being added.

I documented a new build.

@Tiger M.There is definitely equity in the property - say $30k min.There will be a mortgage inside the contract and I haven't moved forward with these guys yet so I don't have the documents to answer specific questions regarding acceleration clauses. 1st position of course, owner occupied, and in the Midwest.I'm going back to MN to visit family and plan on checking out his operation.

Putting some pieces together and step one is talk to a real estate attorney. Ideally looking for an out of the box thinking, unconventional type.

Obviously your lease document will spell this out.

Is there any kind of documentation I should request to verify they are legit? 

When lending private money is there a downside to having your own name on the recorded documents?