Deal stolen by potential partner - how do I prevent this!

[Dillon Randolph]

Hey BP family,

I hope everyone had a great 4th weekend!

I had found a deal here in Austin, TX and was talking to a private lender/partner about the deal (not on BP to my knowledge). This person ended up going around me and buying the deal for himself. I made the mistake of giving him the address of the property and naively trusted him because he was referred to me by someone I trust very much. 

My question is when presenting a potential deal to an investor how can you both present all of the necessary information about the house and protect your interest in the deal? I know it may be as simple as DON'T GIVE IT AWAY IDIOT but at some point the investor has to know it is a real property. 

Thanks in advance! 

Dillon