If your goal is security (inasmuch as any investment can be secure) and reliable cashflow, I'd just go TK.

Plus most agents are completely unorganized, don't return calls/emails etc. and finding a reliable one in some remote corner of the US isn't worth it to me.The only time I make an exception to this is when I'm researching the property online (zillow, trulia, redfin etc) and while looking at other properties in the neighborhood I see an agent that sold something similar fairly recently.

These renters seem reliable and long-term types, but I hate that the space sits empty in a downtown with little open retail space.

@Zach KrietemeyerZach,You need to go with a no income verification product if your debt ratio is tight and you can't use your SE income. 

I find it hard to find reliable real estate information from friends: many do not care so much about real estate, and those who did had relatively dated information (telling me to buy in Austin TX or Phoenix AZ after the appreciation had come).Sales people cannot give you impartial advise indeed, so you have to skip the sales talk and look at what impartial sources tell you.

What is the cheapest and most reliable source of funding for real estate investing outside the normal FHA203K and Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation?

I have been investing in Cape May and Atlantic Counties now for 18 months and the one thing that I haven't found is a reliable wholesaler.

The biggest issue we had investing in Florida was finding a reliable contractor to help do the little work.

Does anyone know of any reliable, general contractors in the Hampton Roads area, specifically Newport News and Hampton? 

Anybody know a reliable, well-priced roofer?