I've only been able to find properties with positive cash flow potential in either pocket listings or from BRRR projects over the past year or so. 

Personally, with the excess costs, I'd rather put that cash towards equity when purchasing rather than a lender's pocket. 

As you have already learned, Bigger Pockets is loaded with all the experience you will ever need.

Prior to the workshop we had done research for only a month, including signing up on Bigger Pockets.

Jake Welcome to Bigger Pockets and I wish you all the best in your investing journey!!

No possible way to make sure they don't put something in their pocket. 

I’ve been listening to Bigger Pockets for years and have thought of joining the community.

The seller got to keep the buyer's money that was paid upfront, and was effectively in the same place they were before they sold, except with several million more dollars in their pocket.  

He just helped my Doctor customer close on a Vacation home $1.2M home raking in over $125K in annual ROI.He is a Bigger Pockets member as well @AJ Wong

Have you seen the Property Llama tool by Bigger pockets member Chris Lopez?