However, I am not overly concerned as I am using this time until we get our green cards (at which point we can then get any job or create any additional income freely) to learn more about the real estate environment in the US and specifically within the San Angelo area. 

Hi Jamie,I would say I am using a modified Brrrr Method....

To your original question I am used to it it would just be one percent and it is very difficult to get ownership when you do the percentage bid down so from my experience it seems very uncommon that people pay down the percentage of ownership there is kind of an unwritten rule amongst investors to not bid down ownership.

That is all I am using from them.

This time I am using Zillow to reduce on agent commissions.

My current favorite IUL is through North American, and I have 2 companies that I am using for whole life Lafayette and Mass Mutual. 

Lending was with a hard money lender I am using, 85/15.  

I am using them for my first few properties but I am curious if anyone has used them and if so what their experience has been.

It's nothing personal just business, I'm not here to be a landlord I got alot of help from a few posters and a wonderful attorney who didn't advise me to harass anyone but gave me legal options to rectify the situationI'm amused that you and your tax attorney believe that requiring your tenant to pay rent with her own funds is going make them vacate the unit.  

I am using Zillow which is doing credit and background checks.