However, everyone was supportive and was willing to share personal information and advice.Thank you!

As anyone would tell you, learn as much as you can and try to surround yourself with people who share the same goals and dreams.

Networking here will help you learn, build relationships and meet other investors who share your dreams and desires.

If you clarify a bit more, there are many of us on Bigger Pockets that would love to offer suggestions and share knowledge. :-)

Do you mind sharing current average rent, how many bedrooms and baths, and what state the property is in?

@Holly Williams  I suspect this may be spurred by deals going bad and all of a sudden lawyers get into it and say hey you did not protect our investors well enough etc. etc.REalty shares does a nice job FYI  you may want to look into their debt deals.

I don't have all the answers to your situation, I will share a little of my experience - When I was younger – in my 20’s in the 60's, I never had too many jobs - the longest one I had was with a correspondence school for 7 years - that sales training was the key that prepared me to be able to negotiate real estate transactions.During that 7 years I started taking seminars, buying cassette tapes (remember them?)

They said their mortgage balance was still pretty high, but did not share an exact number.I estimated ARV to be at $180k.  

(DO Ask for receipts if it's for material deposits.)Share competing bid information and "bid shop".Encourage bidders to get into a bidding war.Try to low-ball contractors.....they will try to cut corners or make it up with change orders a lot of times.And finally, DON'T assume that "All Contractors are Crooks" or that "All Contractors Will Rip You Off".  

Or does anyone wholesale out of California who wouldn't mind sharing their contracts with me?