One of my objectives is to avoid situations where the likelihood of being sued goes up significantly and then the likelihood of loosing is above normal (I realize I can't avoid everything unless I do nothing, think woman with hot coffee and McD's).

I am also very interested in understanding if the above can be done in states where I do not reside because the economics in the state that I do live in (NJ) are not good in accomplishing the above objective.

Don't succumb to shiny object syndrome and go after everything and succeed at nothing.

The organizers' aim isn't to sell you anything, either.

My objective is to become known and, most importantly, trusted by these people.

Also, study the Fair Credit Reporting Act(FCRA) and Credit Repair Organizations Act(CROA).

Is your objection petty or something serious?  

I think Texas is a very tough buy and hold market because of escalating property tax's foundation issues and herd mentality of investors creating demand that would not be their organically.

I think if finding a no money down deal is your starting objective its going to be a very difficult proposition. 

Our first objective is to make enough income from rent to cover our expenses, and then move into a single-family home.