I did what I suggest worried people do.

(The other scammers are from posts here on Bigger Pockets from people with similar situations as mine) McMann Commercial Lending, Walter Trock & Michael LanzaGenie Investments - David Hughes and Mike ConnerSilversky capital out of Lubbock, TX.Jerry Yang and Guatam ShahSmartZip - Smart ZipAmerican Money Loan ServicesTom Vanderlaan.FLIP AND FAST LOANS LLC.Also read this post.

I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning about REI.

You mentioned that you did your due diligence and that the people behind the project are legit.

As the popularity grows and people become more nomadic, I think we're going to see more and more of this.

Above those two, scheduling and time blocking are usually where people are failing.

This is what I would be doing and disclosing to the people looking to sue. 

When my contractor went without me they kept him waiting over 2 hours then told him something completely inaccurate and they take no accountability for how they can literally destroy peoples lives and finances.

Renting to people that aren't friends can be great, but also, one tenant can make everyone's lives miserable, so that's why I start with short leases in the beginning. 

Find the lender who knows a lot of people.