If someone is asking for significant money to "mentor" you, it's probably a scam.

@Peter AmendolaYeah, that is such a scam in my book… 1 month’s rent as a fee!  

This seems to be the scam du jour lately and there is no such thing.

I am even wondering if you are being scammed. 

If they are legit on section 8 and not scamming the gov't, they will not qualify even if you accept it. 

As Steve said, most are unfamiliar with lease options or, worse, see them as an evil scam. 

I've just finished reading the popular books (The book on Rental Property Investing, Long-distance Real Estate Investing, etc.) and I'm ready to start investing out of state with $100,000.I want to buy homes with cash, but I want to make sure I don't lose money from getting scammed.

I got him legitimately ESA verified through my doctor (no scam websites) because I have been diagnosed with multiple emotional disorders which he legitimately helps me with. 

Are there any fb groups for local investors that are not filled with scams and actually have a good deals passing through?

I wouldn't rely too much on the credit score alone (especially since the other tenant has a good score)The Credit game is largely a scam anyway.....I'll share this story again.