What I gathered from Sumrok's students is that it works best if you're local and can be in the area (sort of in a face) a lot.In terms of Rod's program, I bought the online course awhile back.

I’m torn between going the wholesaling route or sticking with long-term rentals. 

The other questions below are for everybody.I have assumed for several years that, if I hold a tax lien certificate on a house with equity, and the owner can easily be located, as soon as my lawyer starts a foreclosure action, if the owner didn't have the means to redeem the certificate, shrew investors would contact that homeowner, offer him some cash for his equity, then, once such an investor acquires the property, he will redeem my tax lien certificate, and all I will only get back is some of my costs plus interest.I haven't had the time to digest the implications of https://www.azleg.gov/ars/42/18204.htm yet.

Train them well and take care of them, give them guidance and structure and hold them accountable. 

Hard money rates/terms so awful I don't see it as a viable option unless have some insane deal.

Many investors in your situation also explore seller financing or subject-to deals to minimize upfront costs, especially if they find a seller open to creative terms. 

My plan is to set up a syndication fund with Canadian (and U.S) investors to purchase short-term rental properties in the Puerto Vallarta and Rivera Nayarit area (which is booming).

New agents use that to ensure they can hold on to a client. 

I have one long term partnership that we share capital but I still do all the work ( rain maker) he is a cpa so he does do the books and tax return though :)  WE built one subdivision together were he put in 500k and I made him 1.2 mil in 18 months net profit so that was not bad.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.