I researched commercial construction careers, and found a construction degree is typically required.

However, finding this thread is an even bigger sigh of relief for me, as it shows that I'm definitely not missing out on anything by not giving this guy my hard earned money.

My suggestions:* Requiring code compliance and safety equipment is absolutely valid and should be part of the regulations* Requiring owners live within 15 miles is not necessary since poor hosts whether they're local or distant will violate the 3-5 warning system and earn a suspension.

@Emily Shin landlord experience is invaluable for a career in rental real estate.It's not something you may want to do long term, but the experience can help you select and manage PMCs.

I like to believe I earned their trust for when I need to borrow from them again.

It is disheartening to witness a mentorship program that boasts substantial financial success, with students allegedly earning substantial monthly incomes, yet fails to ensure that their own employees receive even the minimum wage they are entitled to.

I've had a long career in community development and have a lot of bank contacts that would likely be interested in investing, but I'd need to prove the concept first with an initial fund (there are also a lot of other community development tools that could be leveraged to maximize and scale this).

Learn of course, but many of us have purchased properties throughout our career without "iron clad" veils and have done just fine.  

Though I would caution you on hard money lending until you understand the industry a bit better, that can be very rewarding but you have to be able to do your due diligence on deals because you're turning over your hard-earned money to an individuals project, often a flip. 

While that would be nice to build up a lot of money and save, however that would just push me back even further from starting my real estate future plans, careers, family, etc.