I’m especially interested in learning from those with experience in more expensive housing markets and from people who used really estate as a way to invest for their kids' colleges.

These questions are very wrong questions because people have thaught you wholesaling the wrong way.We do not put an deposit down when we wholesale.

There are people who buy a longer term (12 months or more ) OPTION giving them a RIGHT to purchase a subject property, at a certain price, within a certain amount of time, and attempt to either sell the option for a higher price or close on a simultaneous purchase and sale to an end buyer paying a higher price.  

Use words that excite people like, upgrade, remodel etc.6.

Quote from @Deborah Brancheau: If you send me a PM I can get you in touch with some companies and foundation people in that area.

In Arizona, there are a lot of reputable people who do lease options.

So you're going to get responses from a lot of people that offer coaching.

I also have no interest in being in the car wash business, or the laundry business, or the AirBnB business, things like that which seem to appeal to a good number of people, but not me.I like to KISS, and just focus on market rate rentals, 12 to 18 month leases.

Most people who want to start in wholesaling think that it's a great way to earn income to become an investor.

Best of luck there, it's a great town with good people.