Take you time and find the right combination for you.Even if you are a little reluctant or nervous socially, over time you will see the same people - say hi - talk a little - talk some more, and soon they are not strangers anymore.

Sitting with a group of strangers with a common interest can discover things people don't know.

I am no stranger to flipping and contractor forums.

You are asking a stranger to lend you basically all the money for a deal with no experience and no skin in the game. 

Were not completely green behind the ears, We know the Seattle market is tough, but with being in the military, I am no stranger to adversity or a challenge.

I have never asked or taken money from a stranger, so that's not what this is about. 

They just black out the bank account numbers etc.These are individual investors some up to 100m plus in net worth.I could understand more if sending this to an unknown company or a stranger that can't be verified.  

All 5 of them shook their heads in disbelief, saying "who in the world would let a complete stranger sleep in their home?

I would buy somewhere where I know the market and have a team that I trust.My main concern would be to not lose my money because I went into a market that some strangers from the internet recommended.Good luck!

One could credit the remaining folks for the deposit on file and return just the leaving tenant pro rata, but then you need a small check from the remaining tenants anyway to get the full deposit, and you never know how they have allocated or paid the deposit (or even if they are on good terms), and you rely on the kindness of strangers to return it to the leaving guy (so he does not ask you for it later).Either way, make sure it is crystal clear and communicated (I communicate it multiple times) to ensure a smooth transition and prevent problems; that may be key, get the fuzziness out and make sure no feathers are ruffled.