Basically: Can Matt get the vacation home, Johnny get the stock portfolio, and Amy get the primary residence?

You tell me am I being out of line thinking that's unreasonable? 

Am I missing something or is the process intentionally made to be more tedious in that market?

I guess my question is ; where am I looking for buyers/inveators for my pretty ugly homes.????

@Russell Brazil and @Daniel Roure   am I not correct that part of the financing contingency could be "I do not like the terms of this loan?" 

@Amy Webber thanks for the idea on blank contract I will keep that in mind as a way to streamline! 

My question is... since I will incur expenses (local REI club dues, Bigger Pockets Pro, entertainment expenses while building a team, fuel while prospecting desirable localities for my target property type, maybe a separate cell number and PO Box for direct mail responses etc...) this year, but will most likely not purchase a property until 2017, am I able to deduct those expenses against my w2 earned income this year?

I work with Everest Mortgage Company (ask for Amy), off of Girard Ave in Philly

Coming into this industry completely green, thinking "how the heck am I suppose to do that?"

It would allow me to pay a higher price for the assets, and be more competitive, but am I being penny wise and pound foolish?