A repeat client often gets a better break on fees.I also think if you had explained wholesaling to him he might not have rightly assumed he was protecting you, now, if you are tactful about that charge he may adjust it seeing that perhaps his doing another search was redundant.I have had to teach my attorney things before, they don't get the depth of real estate investing in law school.

I want my repeat buyer to get the property as it is, without drama, and damage at the time the tenant moves out.

They frequently need to be harassed for basic information and assistance, yet the deal cannot happen without them... so you've got well -entrenched people/systems with no incentive whatsoever to get your deal through.  

Keep saving and repeat process.

One of the keys when you get started with your first project is to buy a property that is a simpler rehab and in an area close to your home or where you can visit the project frequently.

-------We once bought an 8-plex that was occupied by some undesirable tenants (a stripper who had frequent late night "guests", pit bulls in two units, a single mom who couldn't afford the rent, smokers, and a guy who had lots of cats).

regular inspections while a tenant is living in a property will help reveal this type of issue.. but I'd still double check attic , downspouts and roof venting.you don't want a repeat. 

He's a pretty nice owner we talk frequently but I just didn't want to get "burned" in this situation agreeing to anything.

I saw that exact same thing frequently enough in the military (& got the hell out immediately after accomplishing my very specific goals).

Another way to is look at who is posting frequently on a specific topic/niche that you want mentoring on.