Literally just recorded a webinar on this yesterday.

They're the intermediaries for a reason... they don't record the deed until the funds and all of the documents are properly filled out. 

I did a very similar automation campaign for my guests.One useful tip  (you covered it on finding the apartment) is that I like to record a full walk through YouTube to show how to work things.

I'm sure you could...as long as you're actually paying that expense to someone...oh wait, that person would be yourself...so you'd need to both record the income of you paying yourself as well as the expense of yourself paying you. 

It may be a little more challenging with a new investor that has no track record with you.  

My partner was not on any official record.

If you don't have your broker's license you would need to find a broker of record for you to manage other people's rentals and come to some agreement with them.

Most importantly what do you know about the sponsor and what is their track record.

Are you going to fly out to view the property you buy or trust your agent and inspector have them video record a tour?

For our clients, we typically look at the most recent appraisal, county records, or property tax statements from the year of purchase.