Also, ensure you're compliant with New York's security deposit laws, which cap deposits at one month's rent.

You don't ever want to double book and have to cancel one of them.And the guest giving a phone number in the first message like in your original post is against the rules and the guest knows it. 

One of the first deals I had (multi in an up and coming area) my buyer was paying cash and the deal was solid.  

One realtor in particular made me an offer to come work for her if I got my real estate license.

I am currently selling a 16-unit apartment complex, the first one to sell since 1998 when this buyer bought this one!

Admittedly, they seem a bit sketchy,My question would be, for a person such as my self, how does one go about vetting these syndicates?  

They've changed formats a bit, to one that is a free happy hour and I've not been to that. 

Our company has designed over 100 flips for Real Estate Investors in 12 states, and one of the biggest mistakes that we see our investors (try to) make is always going BOLD with the design!

One strategy is to pursue properties (in your preferred markets) that have been listed for sale for over 90 days (even longer is better).

There are any number of Real Estate schools available to you, so choose the one that compliments your learning style, whether that be online or in person or a hybrid.