They always say in the letter they send about the transfer not to worry, all the payment info will transfer automatically but then they have issues processing payments on their end and it’s always difficult getting through to anyone who knows how to resolve the issue on their end. 

It really depends on what you are looking and I think your thought process is correct.

I am looking to make a couple connections now during the moving process.

We currently work with out of state investors and provide a full service approach which can be used by in state investors as well.When it comes to investing I'm currently in the process of closing on a partnered 4 Unit in Milwaukee WI.

I like the sit and wait plan.. no sense burning cash on things that cant get processed now anyway.  

Quote from @Michael Challenger: I have no qualms with hard money lending, but I need to learn more about the process and structure to these for typical deals so that I am more comfortable and in a position to reduce my personal risk and risk to investors as much as possible.

I just got off the phone today with an investor-friendly real estate agent in another state (not NYS) who has a whole team behind her and has made it seem as if real estate investing is a much simpler process.

I just went throught the entire screening process and its more like $6,800. 

The more you know ahead of time, the easier the process will be.

Additionally, I expect applicants to follow instructions in the advertisement and application, to make and keep appointments, to show up on time for appointments, dress and behave appropriately at appointments, and in general demonstrate throughout the process that they are someone that is easy and pleasant to do business with.