You are marketing a deal that isnt really protected in anyway and could be stolen right from under you.

I'm assuming it works by using this non-refundable EMD or they are simply daisy chaining.Ultimately, how can end buyers be most protected from fault of the wholesaler or property owner? 

Like you said, put the proper protections in place but know that you can still lose your money - unless you are in first position.

Also, the other protection that is good for you would be an umbrella policy too. 

What is the residency status of the non-US people?

The idea is to purchase a single-family residence where they would help cover the mortgage, or at least reduce my monthly payments.I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with house hacking!

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Any suggestions on doing a primary residence house swap, creative finance deal?

We would like to avoid putting our primary residence on the line for this.

The house upstate would be my primary residence and i do intend to live there.