“The US Spruiker” – an email dialogue :)))

You really shouldn't, Alex, as my initial reply to the question implied, and as I wrote here on more than one occasion. There are great operators (I'd guess yourself included) that I've referred people to time and time again, operating in the US.

its just guys like these that give a country a bad name – but they exist everywhere (yes, even in japan, although so far I've only run across one of those here, they're very rare).

Not sure what you mean by "just asking questions"- this is how potential clients learn about a particular industry or opportunity, then decide if they wish to invest in it – once they have complete information. I for one am happy to answer questions and provide information for months on end, before, during, after or instead of the investment cycle – it's part of my responsibility as a service provider – to make sure the potential client is informed, comfortable with their decision, and makes the best choice for their criteria (which sometimes mean they won't be investing with us, and that's perfectly fine too).

to expect someone to hand their life savings to a company without making darn sure it will be put to appropriate use is insane, and a recipe for disaster down the track ("WHAT??? You never told me I will have to pay for INSURANCE!!! I want my money back, you swindler!") – I'll take the tire kickers over this scenario any day of the week.

as for "squeezing me for knowledge", sorry Kyler, I normally agree with you on most things, but that's just ridiculous. I take pride in my knowledge and expertise, and am grateful when its recognized as such. Industry leaders and power networkers achieve the best results and reputation exactly BECAUSE they are happy to provide their expertise without expecting anything in return. There are no secrets, only information flow. I queried quite a few US suppliers here on behalf of my associate, who was considering buying property there at the time. She ended up choosing to invest elsewhere, but I've since referred at least a dozen other individuals and firms to those three or four most responsive and candid providers because they were exactly that – responsive and candid. If that's not immediate and direct value for their time, I don't know what is.

Oh, wow! Congrats, dude! Been wondering where you've absconded to where'd you go for your honeymoon? 

(Got our own coming up, almost six months after the act – too bloody busy – Spain and Italy, here we come!)