Define 'extremely costly' by finding out some facts: what does it cost to put the property back together and does the market sale price make it worth your time and effort. 

I am currently working my marketing aspect of my business and would like advice on increasing/obtaining leads.

@Matt R.Matt, we are unhappy with that ‘carry trading’ aspect of Cozy too.

With that lump sum, you/your friend should be able to purchase some properties with cash and the credit aspect shouldn't matter.

Regarding the "flexibiilty" aspect, lets say you get another partner. 

Since writing the posts is the most time consuming aspect, this is actually the first time I’ve been ahead of schedule.

FHA defines the 1 seller’s date of acquisition as the date of settlement on the seller’s purchase of that property, and 2 resale date as the date of execution of the sales contract by a buyer intending to finance the property with an FHA-insured loan.

They only do deals in certain areas, usually defined by A rated schools, minimum $100k up to about150% of median price, etc.  

My question is, what would be the first steps you would take, besides the networking aspect, because I am already working on that. 

I love all aspects of real estate investing, am always looking for new ways to building our business.