While I do believe there are honest property managers, we of course all sadly know of stories where unknowing owners get swindled for work that was never completed or done on another property altogether....

My guess is the listing agent was also the previous PM that swindled the tenants into signing a lease that said they were paying when in fact the owner was paying.

When it is allowed, there are usually other disclosure requirements in play to ensure the owner is aware of what they are doing.Where net listings might be allowed the state isn't saying it's okay to swindle an owner, they are saying an owner is free to act as they wish so long as they are informed.

As you've likely already discovered, turnkey can be a mixed bag - an amazing investment or a great way to get swindled - depending on who you work with.

We are in a fiduciary relationship.That means that the fate of the "would-be buyers who got euchered (cheated or swindled) out of being able to buy at fair value" is not the concern of the seller's agent. 

Maybe try to get into "I'm not trying to sell you anything or swindle you" faster. 

I'm wondering will the recent influx in signs and possible swindling going on hurt any of us who are trying to do it the right way, or do they just target the unsuspecting potential investor?

It might turn out great you may get swindled, proceed with knowledge and caution.

The question becomes, if the "instructor" is a real life investor now or in the recent past and IF they are giving valid, pertinent, relevant, and accurate information without the BS fluff and hype.These gurus that buy the name of Kiosaki for example, they use all the fluff and puff to swindle people out of their money and most could not tell the difference between an attached garage and a bonus room.So my definition would be the following: Guru - a person or company providing or pretending to provide RE information at a high price.

These people are lying to you and swindling you, with a smile.