With some substantial rubbing with a wet paper towel, the towel comes up black, but there is still stuff on the blinds.

Classic black and white is making a big comeback as well.

Feels like a black box that I have no control over. 

Here's an analogy: would you tell a beginner skier who has zero experience to ski a double black diamond (the most advanced terrain) for their first run?

@Ryan Cleary, this is pretty black and white to me - I would say no. 

I can do everything above board in the light of transparency without having to run around behind the scenes like some seedy underbelly black market.  

Doesn't have to be so black and white.

A quick example, a tenant threatened to sue for health issues relating to black mold (home has never had any water issues or reason to believe there is mold), because I denied their request for a new washer machine (old one works perfectly fine).

Try googling the name, if you have not already.Hire a PI.Post a sign in the yard with your reasons for contact and your contact info.There is also a book called the investigators little black book.

This unfortunately is what is giving wholesaling a black eye in the industry. you have these methods that are promulgated on BP  we see it in this post.. were others are giving you advice of how to create an illusion to the Seller that your a TRUE principal and you have partners.. which from your post is not the case.