If I need to walk away, I’ll walk away.Thanks for giving me the confidence to move forward.  

I’m confident that you’ll benefit by spending some time gaining a basic understanding of the technology and its likely impact on your business.

Yes you can if you don't tell your lender what you'll use the money for.Hope you know very well your friend and have great confidence in his ability to deliver on his promise for a 20% return.

I've engaged my lender, she did my intake (something along those lines are possible), and I'm still waiting. 

She is confident in the price where it is.

Take the next couple of months reading BP blogs and listening to the podcasts and you will be able to make a confident & educated decision. 

SOLD by David Greene and Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner.What are some recommendations that will help give me the knowledge and confidence to feel more comfortable when finding leads/questions being asked? 

This method of financing allows you to both make a more attractive all-cash offer to home sellers (giving them the confidence that a transaction will close), and put money right back in your pocket.Delayed financing allows you to use a cash-out refinance to obtain a mortgage and enjoy the flexibility of making long-term payments over a period of time, so you can avoid tying up all your savings in the home.Cash buyers can see benefits immediately.

In my own property investment career I can confidently advise myself and clients to take their time.

That knowledge will build your confidence to hire professionals at fair prices for the parts and their labor.