Hands down one of the better rei groups I have been too.

On the one hand, my partner currently owns a house and it is being rented by 3 separate individuals (3 bedroom, 2 bath home) and that scenario is working really well.

I would love to be a mentee to learn hands on.

I have a hands on (NOT electronic) BPO or 2 done.

That is a pretty small town, assuming it is a good deal which I'm not totally convinced that it is, you might put in some calls to the buyers or buyer's agents of other rental properties in the area or even ones that have recently been listed for rent.

He held my hand through the finer details of getting this thing done and asked nothing in return! 

I was able to secure 35% of the total equity ONLY.

Hand your business card to everyone at the gas station next time you stop to fill up.

My gut says that if I can find a strong team and property manager that I can trust, I can make it work - but given my lack of experience with the "hands-on" aspect of home ownership, I'd like to get a second opinion.

If something did come up we have other methods to come up with the cash if necessary as our other cash on hand is for personal emergencies if necessary.