It is possible that your partner ends up being correct on it being a good investment but without crystal ball I would not forecast it being even an OK investment.I have friends who poke fun at whatever. 

I'm big into basketball so I like to make basketball analogies for real estate related things ha.Don't be the guy that walks into the gym decked out with a headband, shooting sleeve on both arms, doubled up highlighter Nike socks, A tank top that says "Ball is life", compression leggings, and a $400 pair of Air Yeezy's- shooting air balls all day.Be the dude in the T shirt and shorts schooling everyone!

I started the process out of state and met with them in person to get the ball rolling.

. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Come to vegas and get a drink, i want to bust your balls face to face ;)

The reason I'm leaning towards doing it is I don't have other capital to get started, and this would give me enough to get the ball rolling!

I'm looking to start with Ranch Style Brick SFH (as boring and practical as possible) and purchase one per year for 5 years before transitioning into multi-family, can't wait to get the ball rolling!

I’m not going to low ball him since it’s a buddy...

Not sure about other states, but here in TX you can protest the tax value each year (with marginal success of late I might add).If you are negotiating directly with a seller, keep in mind that a lot of ill-informed sellers do erroneously associate their property value with this tax value...so that may give you an argument in support of your low-ball purchase offer (below market value anyhow).Andy

I've binged the podcast and read a solid stack of books, but I'm to the point where I just need to get the ball rolling!

That way, you won't drop the ball when a lead comes in.