I work full-time; I’m trying but I know there are gaps in my knowledge.

Any constructive advice would be much appreciated.There is a knowledgeable real estate attorney in your area commenting in this thread.

I had a very pleasant phone conversation with Bob (SVP of Praxis) a few days ago and his knowledge and approach was aligned with how I operate.

Not sure where your research came from but what I was basing my perspective on, was from a professional working knowledge of being on the ground observing.

Dominic, I've found that participating on BiggerPockets forums, appearing on podcasts, and speaking at conferences have built trust with first-time passive investors when those forum posts, podcast discussions, and conference presentations show my experience, track record, and market knowledge to those reading, listening, or attending.This doesn't mean "selling from the stage", but instead, sharing actionable, useful information that I've gleaned from my many years of experience and from my own research. 

Build your portfolio as your knowledge and wealth increase. 

Sharing experiences and pooling knowledge might uncover creative solutions you hadn’t considered.While it’s frustrating to feel unprotected, focus on taking strategic, proactive steps.

Get started and look back on today in 5-10 years with all your new knowledge.

If you’re referring to the “newbies” with $10k to their name that watch a video by Pace and get excited and pay for joining, go out with their last $5k and do a sub to with a “desperate” homeowner without revealing all the possible consequences (because they are unaware of the consequences through lack of experience and lack of knowledge and or choose not to inform the seller) then I agree, it’s probably going to turn out badly for all concerned.If on the other hand you’re referring to a seasoned investor with excellent credit, significant cash reserves, who wants to add a property to their portfolio without going through loan qualifying, and can pay enough to give the seller “walking away” money because of the low existing interest rates and or, and is dealing with a informed seller, then I find nothing wrong or negative about the transaction.  

The seller has the most knowledge about any given property.