As with all first deed trust loans, my rule is to only invest in a property I wouldn’t mind owning in case of default.

Trust me, I'm smiling, not to denigrate anyone but because of the naivety of the question.NOTICE: I am NOT an agent and I've never used an agent to sell a property.

The best advice I ever received "Trust but Verify"

We do these on LTR’s and STR’s for clients often and have never requested a tax transcript to my knowledge.They gave no reason and have lost my trust because they didn't mention they needed this paperwork either.

My settlement statement has "Housemax Funding LLC" as the lender on both closing statements, however, they told me that they sold the loan to a REIT (NY Trust).  2.

Never trust wholesalers they have no duty to you to tell the truth.so that being said.. just use them as a lead source.run your own comps. do your own inspections and have your rehab crew give you estimates.

@Bill ThachA lot of my clients use Trusted property inspections.

Are you familiar with the area or trust someone that is and can tell you what is being built in 1-10 years? 

You realize that there is a lot you don't know yet and aren't sure how or who to trust. 

I was told, form a revocable trust.