___________________________________________________________Why does everyone want to chase strangers – and ignore their own personal network?

If it was me personally, I would not.

It started with really buying my own personal home, then selling and making a small profit.

these investors were all chasing easy OOS cash flow:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1160450-run-i...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/1010977-12-00...if you're serious on investing in an OOS market i'd pick one, get to know it, go to it in person, and build a team, and then determine what would you need to do to get a good return in that market. 

What I personally do is I will hire a local Civil engineer who has done subdivisions in the jurisdiction and I will pay them up front for a detailed feasibility study.

Sometimes it’s the VA that asked the question first  and then the person they’re marketing for comes on the thread and answers the questions to promotes their services.

Be sure to actually contact the landlord for verification—fake references are more common than you’d think.In-Person Meeting: Meeting potential roommates in person is a great way to get a feel for compatibility.

Personally I never listen to what the seller states the income is as they are sometimes way off.

Don't spend time looking for something that doesn't exist. also in the US you cannot sue the police.. unless its a direct assault on your person. your wasting your time.. 

And does the person doing the labor get paid or only the materials paid for by the partnership?