So are you a Capital PIA member or a Wellington PIA member?

It also ties you to one contractor, and if things get tough and you need to fire him it can be a PIA to find another one and get him cleared by the lender.

This would be more of a PIA and probably something that takes a bit more networking expertise. 

You find them by attending PIA meetings and building relationships with property managers/mortgage brokers and accountants.I am guessing that you are American and you have moved to NZ.

I use PIA VPN.

Kitchens and baths in a occupied house is a PIA . 

He also mentioned that you could setup escrow with the title company to disperse the payments overtime as work is complete (probably a PIA though). 

If you aren't familiar with one, contact your state PIA (Professional Insurance Association).

Past that you are at the mercy of the seller taking your E/M and walking...most wont because its a PIA to remarket and sell, the agent will be pushing to get it closed for the commission, but if you have a real deal and someone comes along with cash you could end up getting shafted.If your seller will play ball you can do things like L/O it for 30 days or something to get utitlities switched and tenants in. 

Talk to an attorney who creates LLCs re what he/she's seen in 2 party real estate partnerships.Just my experience and what I'd do going forward, having the luxury of not NEEDING more income or hassel and certainly not being tied to potential PIA partners.- I have the deal, I dictate the terms, period