They partner with me because of the experience I bring to the table, and the access to off market deals.  

The landlord/manager and the tenant both sign (in CA at least) and it guarantees the existence of a lease, it's terms, and stops anyone from later claiming any other lease or lease terms exist. 

He was very eager to move forward and then just stopped responding to attempts to communicate. 

When I consider what I bring to the table, it's access to capital (not deals or experience).

Just wanted to let you know I’ll need the driveway left accessible for myself or my tenants in the future.

I'm not suggesting it should be in the mutual funds, just trying to understand the thought process that went on when you were investing, stopped with $50K left and said "that money that's left is extra".

Some of the reasons I'm considering on making the jump into this area is because they are steadily continuing to develop at a crazy rate, it has good highway access, the neighbors are cool and the location to the shopping center makes it ideal.

Why stop there ... beheadings are making a comeback.

So the house has been paid off for quite some time, and has stunning views and waterfront access. 

If I am the owner and enter into a contract for deed on a residential property then what is to stop  the buyer from having work done on a property and then fail to pay the workers ?