Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

I got the same rate that I would get on any direct booking since they could see the listed price online.

Check the in person events and meetups in your local area, our online community is full of knowledge and folks willing to share and still nothing replaces the opportunity to interact IRL, you never know who you will meet and where that can take you on your REI journey. 

There is also the local knowledge of a market like here in Lake Tahoe where lending can be trickier so an offer with a local lender might get chosen because they have a reputation to get a deal done vs a national lender that can have more red tape and a slower process. 

Hey Imdad -Honestly, I would just listen to the reputable companies out there that are doing a great job.

Connecting with local real estate investor groups, attending meetups and conferences, either in person or online, can give you advice + support as well!

Basically you need to know what you are doing in DM or Online for it to work, otherwise, you will spend thousands of dollars without success@Jonathan Krauser.

As mentioned no need to hire a private investigator just use an online service to do a background check.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

Unfortunately most have made lifestyle changes relying on checks that will never be cashed but can't fault the inexperienced investors with the amount of materials online, social media etc. where coaches, mentors and gurus share the ease in which they generated massive wealth in these neighborhoods.