I have about $20,000 liquid that I can tap into from savings, which I would use a portion for the down payment, and my credit score is 710-714 so I'm not opposed to obtaining financing through a local bank or credit union for financing.Also, what additional books, materials, or resources would you recommend that I could read to get myself more familiarized with this form of real estate investing?

I think you'll want more than just the basic cable channels...Comcast usually includes HBO in many of their promotion bundles for the first 12 months and you.

Seems like everyone is looking for yield and the promotion of note investing to REIA groups is fueling the fire to bring these folks into our asset class. 

I think you're fortunate he didn't steal your tools and materials and disappear.

There was a time when "all electric" was promoted as a positive thing, but if natural gas is available its usually cheaper.  

that is a pen name, the actual author is a private equity veteran, but he didn't want to be seen to promoting himself or his company, written very wellPodcaststhere are a few, but I think the RealCrowd series is really high quality.   

He started sending me pictures of jobs that were not mine and receipts for material that was purchased prior to my funds even being wired.

Are you sure he's bidding the same materials?   

Even the breakdown of material costs by square footage.

If you have credit up to a certain level, most counties do down payment assistance and have other kinds of grants that promote homeownership for people who don't have a lot of money of the greatest credit.