My partner is based out of Dallas and a lot of our clients are from the surrounding areas.

We invest in 38109 on a limited basis when a client requests properties in the area, but further north and east.

But it's difficult for me to just hand over money to someone I've never met, when I have so many friends (and have read so many stories here) who have been ripped off by contractors.How can I protect myself?

That is the biggest challenge I have with my clients.

With a competitive landscape for all types of real estate I had a very difficult time finding opportunities where the price and numbers looked good, and the seller was motivated enough to carry a note.

The environment now with higher interest rates and higher purchase price does make it more difficult but definitely doable. 

I want to use the equity to purchase another investment property but due to my properties being in LLCs, it has been much more difficult than I thought it would be.

However, from my research it seems as though getting financed for a property with an llc that shows no income can be difficult.

Its also the right sort of thing to do to try and help someone navigate a difficult time. 

The cities laws make landlord very difficult for raising rents and evicting tenants.