Mike, I won't pretend to answer for Mark but wanted to share my view generically about purchasing power.Not counting pain, time or costs, RE leverage is generally about 4:1. 

I like the App payments because generally they get made either early prior to the 1st of the month or on the 1st of the month whereas my check payments usually arrive around the 7th and the tenants pretend they have mailed them on the 1st.

It's prefect if you can find an opportunity to see open houses nearby or even "pretend" to be a prospective tenant for another landlord just to see your competition.  

As in, this is a group that's pretending to be 'some guy' as a regular guy doesn't buy 1500 units (that's what they claim to have). 

I have done the analysis, I will show anyone that partners with me the facts, numbers, the 4 contractor quotes I received, the pictures of the house videos of the house, the ins and outs, they can do a walk through with me, they can get an inspector.If they feel it is a good deal, then they will act on it.Again, what is the difference between them finding said deal all on their own and putting their own money into it, vs. me finding the deal, and they "pretend" they found it, they putting their money into it and what ever THEY make as profit we split.I am not asking for money.

But while you are living they pretend its some sort of great investment...yes its a great product for those who sell it, the commissions are multiples of any other financial product.When you call them out on it, they will tell you that you dont understand insurance.  

It is the one time they GUESSED right that they can't shut up about trying to pretend like they can see the future.

So I will pretend a little when I answer, as I guess I qualify as a "could be" full-timer.1.

Pretend you don't have any money.

I won't pretend to be the authority on lending,but it's my understanding that once you're in a commercial lender's office, they can evaluate the value of the property however they want since they hold the loan and don't answer to anyone but themselves.I'm not saying I'm definitely that I'm right in that, nor am I saying that typically it's as you say.