I have traveled the world, tasted some the finest cuisines, stayed at some the most elegant establishments, married to a beautiful woman and father of two children.You see in most instances, I am just like many other citizens.

Such a joint venture would need to be very rigid in nature, and there could be no transactions or exchange of benefit between either party.Both parties would need to purchase an asset jointly on day one.  

The kitchen currently has beautiful oak cabinetry but I also know the trend right now is painted cabinetry, specifically white.

By nature, I'm not a patient person when I'm excited and passionate, which REI has done to me.

Beautiful color, but keep in mind that purples, as well as grays, are very difficult colors.

By nature hard money is not the type of financing that most investors seek to keep any longer than they need to, because it is so expensive.

Jason - @Brian A. is dead-on - most banks are going to provide recourse loans - its in their risk-averse nature.

There's a lot of networking and they bring in speakers usually and pass around different deals that they have a new contract and things of that nature.

Over time, you will definitely identify the right people and after building a relationship you will have a natural mentor and someone who will help you get going and have success.Good luck in Houston.  

If I can base my business around learning how and where to locate said deals, then later aspirations of fix-and-flipping and/or buying-and-holding will naturally fall into place.Allow me to spend a moment to expand upon my views regarding how I plan to approach this aspect of my business.