How do I avoid getting sucked into working for free for some mentor that will just use and abuse my time?

A lot of lenders are pricing high to avoid taking on too many investments right now. 

To combat this, they will create another LLC.In my opinion, a lot of hoops just to avoid people knowing your name but it is important for some.

It all depends on your situation and goals in regard to what will be the best loan option.If you had 20% to put down you could always avoid that MIP - mortgage insurance premium that gets charged on a monthly basis. 

I will also be paying the $350 a month out of pocket (to avoid interest of line of credit/or should I put it on line of credit)My partner will be doing most of the rehab himself.

Everyone else on your team will be transaction-based and not really involved after a purchase.We're in the Metro Detroit area, so you may want to follow our blog here on BP, but at least read the following posts:Follow our "Deep Dive" series we're doing about Metro Detroit cities and City of Detroit Neighborhoods: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...How to “Screen a PMC Better than a Tenant”: https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/3094/91877-how-to-screen-a-pmc-better-than-a-tenant-part-1-services-and-processesIn our experience you will need to:1) Learn to "Maintain to the Neighborhood", not your personal standards2) Tenant-Proof everything you can Hard surface flooring, not carpeting (too easy to trash) Same basic paint for everything No garbage disposals for them to break Only spring-type doorstops also with plate on the wall Glue rubber mats under sinks to prevent water damage Sheet aluminum on walls around stovetops, for easy grease removal Towel racks - screw 1x3 to wall studs, then screw rack to that Install low-profile downspout ext, not aluminum that always disappear Plan on cleaning gutters and leaves up in the fall as tenants won't Avoid garage door openers3) Have a great application screening process: Check credit for evictions & convictions, utility collections Focus on employment/income stability Require bank or debit card statement - you'll be surprised what they spend their money on!

for rentals, I'd avoid condos if you can as the condo fees are not cheap and add up to a large percent of the rent.

For example, I am working to help pro-foreclosure situation to avoid foreclosure and complete a short sale when they are deeply under water (yes this exists and is quite prevalent in many fha home buyers still to this day).

I am trying to avoid transitioning from a construction loan to a traditional mortgage to avoid any extra fees. 

-When I sold the lots, what would the best strategy be with the proceeds to avoid capital gains?