Also, labor is inexpensive (if somewhat less reliable than a larger MSA), and I recently reviewed the 20-year plan for Kennedy Space Center which I believe shows some very promising possibilities for private investment in the aerospace business.

I'm brand new to REI and I want to use private money to do rehabs and flips in the Tri Cities, TN area.  

I'll private message you some information. :) 

Either way, it is a useful thing to have as a Real Estate Investor ... being labeled a speculator doesn't hurt and you can just tuck your head in if you need to to ride out the downturn, though those are the best times to seek out additional shells :)

I would love if fellow Phoenix area investors would be willing to share their referrals (either here or through private message).

So here's my question: If you are in a private deal with a seller, no realtors involved, and the home value is X, but you're able to talk the seller into selling for Y, which is less than X, would you then be able to go get a mortgage using the difference between X and Y as the value of your down payment?

You can always get advice on hard money folks from the REIA  groups, but the mortgage and wealth management folks can make introductions to private investors once you get your feet wet and are ready to move in that direction.  

In order instruct clients on which documents to send, the custodian needs to know the investment structure: Private Equity investment into a company OR secured/unsecured loan to a company.  

Still looking for buyers, sellers and private lenders in the Kansas City area.

Kenneth Cowan private message me if your interested, I know of an awesome 3 unit building that just hit the market.