So, of course, if you have any information on a loan option that would avoid a 20% down payment, I'm all ears!

They are filing all the paperwork when you close on the property any way so what's one more piece of paper. 

For anyone else reading this thread and wants to respond with actual best practices for this type of situation, I am all ears.

That piece is often underestimated by many.For the other key numbers:The structure is  Maximum Allowable Offer (MAO) = ARV - Holding Costs - Rehab - Closing Costs - ProfitARV (after repair value based on recent sales within a 1 mile radius.

And I kind of thought you were either Mike with a different name.. or now you acknowledge a personal friend of his and thats cool.. but it does put the pieces together.

@Ryan Dickerson, while you will ultimately need to either make a somewhat blind leap or hope you can find a contractor that will walk your properties, one piece that I will add is: YOU need to know what type of finishes you are looking at, and understanding their material costs.I.e. are you going to do carpet, LVP, or true hardwoods?  

Have you gotten anywhere with the Salesforce piece of this yet?

Seems to me directing your custodian to invest in something like a piece of real estate isn't the same as telling them to buy X number shares of ABC stock.

@Jorge Farinas Yes you absolutely could add an additional piece of collateral for more security and peace of mind.

I've had my ear against the door of REI for a few years now and I'm finally ready (within the next 12 months or so) to dive in.