I am looking forward to meeting others in this area with whom I can exchange conversations and ideas.  

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Those three conversions, along with a 10k contingency accounts for about 65k of that 140k (along with manual labor from me and buddies to remove the stucco). 

What should our conversation look like as far as expectations when I take possession of the property in a couple weeks?

Find properties you are interested in and then analyze them and start a conversation with the broker.  

Hi Lisa, I'm a little late to the conversation but wanted to add a few things.

Document everything, including all conversations with her.

I met him and had a conversation with him, he's not a phony person, nor does he want to steal anyones money.  

I don't get into deep conversations with people who aren't interested or are nay-sayers.

Finally the time has come to enjoy the fruits of my harvest and, just like that, after a 5 minutes conversation, all has vanished.As you can tell, I'm still licking my wounds.