Yes, can happen in the U.S. but these issues are more transparent, more competitive so the playing field is felt more fair for the average player.  

There are two major players and they charge an arm and a leg.

If you want to own MF  go work for a MF developer.. that's where you will incubate.. or go work for a commercial broker you will probably start out leasing commercial space but you get to hang with the real players .. 

The "Turnkey" industry has significant bad players within their ranks. 

I've heard JWB is one of the major players there, but some of the recent reviews on BP are a little concerning.

It was good fun money but nothing I could use to replace my FT job in Info Tech.I did learn a lot about the business and the big players. 

By that I mean search rental advertisements in your area figure out who the players are then dive into the companies and call them up seeing if they have any abilities. 

Off strip, beheind MGM casino, off maryland/tropicana, $350-400k. 

As a native Californian and having been in CO for 10 years, the boom-bust cycles are annoying; might as well play at the casino. 

Creative things sellers can do sell their house-Seller contributions-seller funded permanent buy down-seller funded temporary buydown-owner financing-contract for deed-seller second-lease option and lease purchase-wraparound and assumable mortgageTwo: creative things buyers can do to purchase a home-gift funding-selling and refinancing existing assets-nonoccupant co-borrowers-using a 401(k)-temporary IRA transfer-pledged asset mortgage-equity transfer and bridge loan-employer assisted mortgageThree: creative things lenders can do to finance a transaction:-lender funded buydown-Fannie Mae's my community mortgage-running scenarios with automated underwriting systems-adjusting amortization period to lower payment-adjusting interest rates to cover closing costs-state, province, and local grant or bond programs-mortgage credit certificate-private lendingAll the three players above, the seller, buyer, and lender, can bring creative solutions to the table to get a house sold." end quoteMost brokers don't know these either, or know them and don't inform - teach their agents.This is through my direct experience.