If the borrowers start getting aggressive they can start to keep a log on who they speak with, what the topic was and a summary of the conversation.  

As an example, I have talked to three providers - padeals, Norada and Memphisinvest as a preliminary conversation and I have asked for some references on one of them but have not received even one.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

I also contacted another tree service to see how the issue should be handled and what discussion to have with the contractor.I am hoping someone knows:1. an ISA Certified Arborist in the Guilford County, NC area who can appraise the lost tree,and2. any advice on the conversation I should be having with the contractor, and what sort of damages I should reasonably be looking for. 

To keep the conversation going @Michael Seeker Lee, there is a chance the company I work for will go up for sale in the next 2-3 years.

I am looking forward to meeting others in this area with whom I can exchange conversations and ideas.  

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Those three conversions, along with a 10k contingency accounts for about 65k of that 140k (along with manual labor from me and buddies to remove the stucco). 

What should our conversation look like as far as expectations when I take possession of the property in a couple weeks?

Find properties you are interested in and then analyze them and start a conversation with the broker.