Keep in mind I am not an attorney nor do I play one in the movies, but I would proceed cautiously and only after you have an attorney review the option contract as the JV agreement could end up being unenforceable and all your hard work and expense for not.

If you see a sad movie, you cry.

I ask all of my first time investors to watch the revenue reserve movie.

I actually enjoyed it so much that I have stayed with it all these years.Contrary to movies real events happen super fast in a matter of seconds to maybe half a minute or so.

When you can drive down the road and point out all the houses you've been in because you've toured SO many properties ... you know you're a real estate investor.When after a night out at a nice restaurant, before heading out to catch a movie, you stop at the local Home Depot to pick up materials for tomorrow's project ... you know you're a real estate investor.

Given my horror movie fanaticism I half expected something to jump out at the camera. :( 

After one month of no contact i would have flown to atlanta and knocked on his front door to have a chat... ever see the movie Snatch?

I would like to recall the scenes from the movie "In Time".

to quote my favorite movie white man cant jump:.."

Your non-real estate friends won't understand, so my best advice is to casually talk about it, but quickly change the conversation back to regular items, seen any movies lately, how are the kids, etc.