And the answer is that it’s a matter of the decreased risk associated with lower leverage vs. the expected greater return that the funds that would payoff the mortgage principal can generate when used for a different investment.

You cannot blindly message individuals on BP advertising services.

Cheap materials, thin walls, the LVP was peeling already not to mention the transient individuals in the parking lot. 

You can run one-off searches for phone numbers and email addresses, and they often have promos for new users.Spokeo for Professionals: While not specifically real estate-focused, it’s a reliable option for finding contact info for individual property owners, especially for one-off searches.Forewarn: This is great for verifying contact details and gives a bit more intel on leads.

I would prefer an individual PM (not associated with any company) to manage my 3 doors in FL..

And if you go under contract as an individual, can you then JV with another investor or is it too late?

It gives me another exit strategy by having the option to sell off individual properties to retail buyers if needed.

I reached out to the individual marketing the deal to schedule a property viewing, but they’re asking for proof of funds (which I expected) and a signed purchase agreement or LOI.Is this normal?

This either sounds like a seller looking to "retire" and liquidate his holdings or a Section 8 owner that hasn't kept the property (or rents) up to market levels.So, based on the numbers you're using, what return (IRR, Equity Multiple, or ConC) are you estimating you'll generate over your expected holding period?

For example college rentals generate some of the highest ROI of properties I come across in New Jersey but it depends on the school and location of property.