My husband sees my vision of success and thats what truly matters.

People will always need somewhere to live no matter what the ups and downs.Besides, it's interesting and fun and you can keep in contact with lots of people and platforms for general advice and specifics.I have a triplex in Glendale and probably wouldn't do long distance investing again because I like a more hands-on approach, but your area is a great place to invest in with steady growth and potential, so you won't need to look far. 

It doesn't matter that you were going to replace the carpets anyhow.

No matter how right you are, anyone can sue anyone, and the lawyers always win.What is your experience with these?  

It's a matter of preference. 

Hi everyone, do any of the seasoned commercial investors out there have some recommendations regarding websites (or other tools for that matter) to evaluate commercial properties for things like cap rates, price/sq ft., etc. other than Loopnet, CoStar or the MLS?

@Kenneth Shelley   another way to put what Don mentioned is you may want to walk before you run.if at this point in your career your asking these very basic questions your not really qualified to lead your investment group.. you may make it ok but you could very easily go through a steep learning curve and lose your close friends money and based on my long career working with investors I can tell 1000% you lose their money in a RE deal and you are no longer friends no matter how close you think you are now.as for some constructive feedback here Is what I would consider if I was in your shoes.I would get my Real Estate license so you can prove to them your a professional and care about your craft..

Finding the deal is only part of the process, they then have to find a buyer who can perform in a matter of days before their contract expires.  

Why does it matter who are the beneficiaries?

I'd say it's no big deal if you pay it off within a year, but going out for years becomes predatory.I have no idea of how the deal is presented, but that matters a great deal.