Depending upon your state, using a broker or HML will enable you to be a note or pool investor without having to become licensed -- an entirely different discussion but something you should consider.Also, with regard to your question about investing locally, since you posted you have money to lend, if it hasn’t happened already, be careful of all the anonymous internet solicitations you’ll now receive from those happy to borrow it.

Please forgive my current "anonymity".

Originally posted by John Thedford: I feel like sending a sympathy card (or thank you note) to his new landlord:)We have done just that .... anonymously of course...The tenant screening Co. we use seem to have a very good handle on the chronic bad guys in our areas.

The most "protected" way I have heard to have anonymity and asset protection is to move the property into a land trust (avoiding due on sale) with the beneficiary as the LLC, with plenty of insurance.

Florida has a broad public records law aka Sunshine Laws where anonymity may be maintained for public records requests. 

It can be anonymous. 

The problem with owning a property in your own name is there is no anonymity or protection.

The pros would be cheaper insurance and anonymity from my tenants.

My plan would not be to remain anonymous throughout this at all.

Its just another way to be anonymous.