I became aware that she has some pretty romantic ideas about our joint venture and seems to be somewhat more emotionally invested. 

I'm not willing to take the 40-45% hit by withdrawing money from IRA and I don't want to deal with all the headaches of investing in RE via an IRA, easy decision to leave it in the market.The market is an emotional roller coaster, it's gets much easier with experience but it definitely has a small affect on my daily mood.  

There are certainly great people around here who are more than willing to communicate with you. 

There are certainly great people around here who are more than willing to communicate with you.

If the person sitting next to you is late 30's, looking at another 25 years of daily grind, and sees you are 5 years from retirement at the same age, they will get jealous.I am with others who keep real estate business hours communications to texts and emails, and take calls at lunch / before /after work.  

Having read this entire thread, I feel compelled to share this much from my own experience investing in properties under $245k in Houston: a number of realtors will not respond to, or communicate with, a buyer's agent.

Generate a professional deal analysis showing all the financials of the deal so that you can effectively communicate to would be investors/ partners.

If you're very good and build your skills, work hard, communicate honestly, and bring value to people - you'll be off to a great start.

Just make sure you document all of your communications with her.Again, double check your local laws - this is how it would go in NJ, but things could be totally different where you live.

I'm in communication with the listing agent and he is very receptive to working with us.