The rate and risk environment today means many people aren't qualifying for bank financing, especially for investment loans. 

Green buildings (more energy efficient) last longer, sell for more, are more desirable to tenants, and show the community a dedication to healthier, more energy efficient environments.

I guess what I am concerned about is this (from the article):Some of the homes now experiencing flooding problems probably wouldn’t be allowed to be built in those locations today, given current regulations designed to protect the environment and prevent homes from being flooded.

In that environment, most of a passive investor’s concerns related to honesty, transparency, accuracy, and timeliness are managed by the administrator who is a neutral party.

Also, the listing agent wants to get the deal done, so being new to this environment, how would a new investor know what information or disclosures are being left out or over-looked, and from my experience, it's happened. 

In this environment I'd rather be a lender and am. 

I know travel is just another expense, but seems like a lot could be accomplished in person, particularly as a group.way back in the day when I was project lead for a Major west coast syndicator and deals had gone off the rails a little bit I got thrown into running these meetings.. and you talk about a hostile environment..

Some do well just reading a book, some with webinars and such, while others (such as myself) do better in a classroom/interactive/hands-on environment.

It sounds like you were able to put together a solid environment and lay some ground rules up front. 

You want to reduce your housing expenses as much as possible and not necessarily get cash flow since it is very difficult in this environment.