There were portions that I liked and portions that I thought could be improved upon.I believe that group cohesiveness and openness are two keys to creating the best environment for people to interact whether they be someone new to REI, like myself, or the most experienced member of a meetup.I am curious...What in your opinion makes for the most optimal meetup?

When I was searching around the internet one day and was reading about real estate I came across BiggerPockets and now I've created an account to learn more about real estate.

There are a number of successful people like Eric Moeller as @Valerie Rogers mentioned who have not only "released" properties, but are creating master lease agreements on a larger scale. 

Unfortunately it's often a power struggle or you're dealing with a mom & pop owner who are not the most organized individuals.... but that can be an opportunity for you!

No mentor is looking for someone they have to teach everything to, people are looking to trade value and combine talents so they can accomplish more as a sum of parts than they can individually.

They're both for sale individually, but seller would prefer for both properties to go to the same buyer.  

Basically it would be financial freedom and to create a legacy for my family.

One to rent and one for an option to buy so I don't know why you would have to be worried about an installment sale.If you're worried about Dodd/Frank or the CFPB (scam that they are) work with a licensed individual or get licensed yourself.

As long and the total assessment for a tax base and the tax rates generate the desired amount of income, the assessor doesn't care too much about individual values.  

Otherwise as you create your rate seasonal rates you can choose the minimum night setting for each season.