They are acting as an agent without the laws, ethics requirements, education, and insurance that are vital IMO.

The direct to sponsor model that bypasses a layer of fees tends to attract higher quality folks.  

Its another layer of protection for the investor. 

There is a class A office condo for sale in a great area, it is part of a 9 unit building, all of the offices are occupied with layers, architects, dr office, insurance agency's.

It's not so much about physical force but specific targeting of vital areas.

House hack, and then roll out of it into another unit as quickly as possible.I'm not completely new to real estate, I work for CoStar, Loopnet (and now apartments.com) so I am familiar with much of the terminology.My first deal I am also looking to rehab the duplex that I would be moving into, so I know it's going to take one more layer of analysis and a little more risk/reward, but I am confident with all the experience on here I will do great.  

There are data services that mine the vital info out of the notices and deliver the raw data, which we then integrate into our structure. 

I presume that's vital information to know, right?

A LLC will act as an additional layer of protection for everyone, and you can still obtain financing with a LLC and you do not necessarily need to have "all cash" to purchase a property under the name of a LLC.

Arm your self with knowledgeable partners.Background checks are vital to creating a great community for you and your tenants as well as for the neighborhoods, so consider the bigger picture of how you will impact those in your neighborhood.