Trust led to lax oversight, and on a major project minimal progress was made over six entire months (the original construction timeline).

But what really moves the needle is trust.

It's just safer to start out expecting that when you die, all heirs will not be getting along and to write your will and trust accordingly. 

Chapter 7 or 13 will follow you for years (7–10 on reports), and even if you “wipe the slate,” you’d still have to rebuild trust with lenders.

Just be choosy about who you partner with-you want a trust worthy and honest partner.Now, if your goal is to create generation wealth, not be chained to corporate and have time to enjoy life then most likely that will include owning some real estate in your portfolio.

He asserts that exposure is key to selling homes and that hiding away inventory hurts trust across the industry.

They are more apt to trust you, foremost, and likely aren't looking at a lot of other types of deals, both actively and passively, to compare your deal to, therefore making them hear "12% backed by real estate, with someone I know. 

I should have trusted my CA friends and agents advice instead of listening to people from OOS that I don't even know. 

Mortgage as opposed to Deed of Trust.

It's the price of speed, flexibility, and growth.A few next steps:Run future deal numbers with financing included — even if you decide not to borrow, it keeps you sharp and prepared.Connect with a few local or regional hard money lenders — ask if they’ll lend on mobile home projects or land with utilities in place.Reinvest those profits smartly — stacking cash from a few short-term wins could get you closer to those long-term rentals and quitting the 9–5.Document your process — before/after photos, timelines, and numbers help with lender trust and future investors if you bring on private money later.You’ve already proven you can create value with sweat equity and a solid plan.