Anyway, I knew I wanted real estate in my early 20s, but made a decision to start a business that failed around 2007 when people lost their jobs and had no more expendable income.

Until you understand the myriad of different strategies, you are just taking a shot in the dark or following someone else without accepting personal responsibility for your own investment decisions.

It's really your Decision if you want to expedite delivery or know the delivery status of your target.An Undeliverable mail pieces is referred to as a "Nixie".

Who are the decision makers, the site acquisition manager of each businesses?  

I've gone rounds on this decision however because of the exact reasons you are looking to invest there- the market there has been and is primed for continual growth and expansion.  

He needs the money for another business venture and his business partner is putting pressure on him to make a decision.

This is essential.You should ensure that you fully document the reason for your decision to have your IRA write off part of the loan and accept a lesser amount as payment in full.Typically, your custodian will accept your instructions to "sell" the note (accept a reduced payment in full and take the loan off the books).

It's not just a financial decision, ia

A Residential Mortgage Loan Originator will not only provide the seller/lender with information so that he can make and educated lending decision but it will provide the buyer/borrower with a transparent transaction limiting future issues.

This hep to make informed decision on the deal.