I've found this book extremely informative in filling in questions about uncertainties regarding numbers, and if you base your numbers on the formats outlined in the book, you're much less likely to make a foolish investment.Just my two cents... and hopefully it's worth more then that.

He is not answering calls, texts or emails and is extremely upset by the divorce and blames everyone in the group.

Certainly I would recommend investing in an area you know well, or at least have a property manager you can trust.

@Brook Young if you use a special type of trust, you can probably avoid this complexity. 

Brad Orpano if passed it means they’ll get rid of requiring banks to check income on loans if they’re under a certain asset level, meaning we’d be that much closer to extremely lose lending financial conditions again

1) I want to learn all I can about REI because I want to make a career out of it without losing my shirt.2) I won't have much cash to actually invest until I have sold my property in CA and I need to finish the reno before I can list it.3) I used to be an attorney and I saw plenty of clients get burned for trusting the wrong person/people.

The bank has a lot more control over the ordering of the appraisal than you do (trust me, I hold that license too) so I personally hate seeing things like that in the contract. 

It is extremely informative and will give you a lot of learning in financing, how to evaluate deals and how to setup partnerships

I can find out tomorrow if any are available.Another option is through the use of a specific type of trust, that will eliminate the timelines, and allow you to reinvest the proceeds when and how you like.

Do you trust and use the listing agent data on home insurance of $92 a month for your calculation?