Contractors will donate overages or "client changed their mind" stuff and you can get higher end materials for cheap.Looks like there is one in your area http://www.rochesterhabitat.org/ReStore.aspx. 

I work during the day, but would be committed to donating any of my free time to learn the trade.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that I can be more valuable in donating my time than my money.

Donate your time and volunteer for your birthday.Oktoberfest in New Ulm.Timberwolves pre-season game.

When we found boxes of bullets in a house we bought, we donated them to the local police department for their target practice.

I purchased a vacant lot in a distressed area in Pittsburgh, I got paid to buy it and if I can't sell it this year I will donate it to either the township a church or a local organization I know.

That's the same question I've been asking myself the last year :p Still super fun though.I recommend: save 10%, donate 10% to charity, and spend 80% of the money on the things you and your brother truly enjoy or have always wanted to do.

Find them through Google and meetup.com Say Hi to my buddies Craig and Don at the meeting.Two Great reads, I bought both J.

I agree with you about the NYC market (and Bay Area) being on fire.Currently I'm in apprentice mode, and would love to donate my time to help folks analyze deals, or be a second pair of eyes as they hunt for properties, or [name another need], as a way to contribute while learning the ropes.I'm in no rush to close deals of my own until I've had a chance to work with and learn from smarter folks such as yourself :)

I think the more pertinent question is what are you providing your "investors" with for "donating" to your project?