Similar to you, I also listened to multiple podcasts and consumed a lot of content through instagram, bigger pockets forums, blogs, and connecting with experienced investors.

I find That Instagram and Facebook are most useful.

Wow, thanks for the cautionary tale!

Mr Tall Tale can spin a yarn elsewhere, yeah??   

We picked up 4 in NPN state and each has had its own tale to go with it.

send funds via money gram or western union..

One tale I was told was that the owner of the loan brokerage had to fly to New York (from Oregon) to talk to the "bond market guys" or some people with "control over the money."

I am looking for lenders  for a property (s) in a super super hot So Cal market, where every single silicon valley company is opening offices (Netflix, Amazon, Snapchat, TikTok, Apple, Instagram/Facebook all within 5 miles) and a mass exodus is happening from SF to this area for jobs at these locations. 

We have spoke a few times back and forth on Instagram and on here.

I can't speak about it because it's ongoing, but I'll share a cautionary tale in a few months.