I'd be more than happy to talk more about my experiences, good and bad, representing investors (or at least trying to), costs involved etc.  

A trust typically involves transferring assets into a new legal entity.

At the time when I bought that house, I was not involved in real estate investing; in fact it was my first house.  

Find a local REI (Real Estate Investors Club) in your area and get involved.

But at the same time something wasn't registering with those involved.  

I invest in monthly Cashflow properties in NYC & JC .looking to get involve on more flips this year.

Be careful not to commit yourself to using or involving that agent - unless you decide you want a buyers agent/broker.

Jeff Beard a realtor was not involved in this transaction. 

-From finding a deal to closing the deal, what are the steps involved?

I have discussed with my bank projects that would involve complete rebuild of houses, where the original house would cost more than 20% of the costs (likely around 50%), and they were fine as long as I could close the construction loan with my 20% in cash.