There really isn't much substitute for actual hands on experience working in the area your activities will be focused.

I get an inspection during the diligence process too but I can't substitute for my own eyes.

(A recorded trustee's deed (or similar alternative) confirming the amount paid by the grantee to trustee may be substituted for a settlement statement if a settlement statement was not provided to the purchaser at time of sale.)The preliminary title search or report must confirm that there are no existing liens on the subject property.The sources of funds for the purchase transaction are documented (such as bank statements, personal loan documents, or a HELOC on another property).If the source of funds used to acquire the property was an unsecured loan or a loan secured by an asset other than the subject property (such as a HELOC secured by another property), the settlement statement for the refinance transaction must reflect that all cash-out proceeds be used to pay off or pay down, as applicable, the loan used to purchase the property.

This is how it reads: "All parties to this Note, including maker and any sureties, endorsers, or guarantors hereby waive protest, presentment, notice of dishonor, and notice of acceleration of maturity and agree to continue to remain bound for the payment of principle, interest and all other sums due under this Note and the Deed of Trust notwithstanding any change or changes by way of release, surrender, exchange, modification or substitution of any security for this Note or by way of any extension or extensions of time for the payment of principal and interest; and all such parties waive all and every kind of notice of such exchange or changes and agree that the same may be made without notice or consent of any of them."

But that means you don't get to live for free (you might be able to substitute a wholesale fee for rent or something?)

There is NO SUBSTITUTE for hard work.

But I may try Cozy because they also handle my online rent payments  cozy.co.Disclosure: My forum posts are not a substitute for professional advice.

There is no secret pool of non-broker deals out there waiting to be tapped by people who know the password.There is no substitute for developing good relationships with brokers.  

There was no substitute for that.  

I think this is a good idea, but don't let it be a substitute for a good insurance policy.