I started to create our company website with my good friend, Scott Corbett (Lightmark Media), and we started working with our securities attorney to put together two 506(c) offerings.

He wanted me to paypal him 750 so that he would send the 20k needed to bridge the gap in the loan.The easiest way to spot a red flag is to start with going through a title company. hopefully you did nto give this person your social security number or other private information.

The seller had a military contractor job with security clearance.

If the agent is doing the marketing, finding the potential buyers and possibly working with other agents to help you secure a deal then I would still charge 2.5% for my listing services and 2.5% to any buyer's agent. 

One of them being you can't charge more than one month security deposit.

In 2018, we had a property turn and the net cost to you out of pocket was around $500 (costs to repair minus the security deposit that was returned to you.)

A good property manager can help with tenant screening, enforce lease terms, and handle evictions more efficiently if it comes to that.Require a Larger Security Deposit: Within the bounds of local regulations, a larger deposit can provide a cushion in case of damage or unpaid rent.Consider Rent Guarantee Insurance: Some companies offer insurance products that can cover lost rent in case of tenant default.

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.

@Shawn Mixundefined I agree Kirstin, Anderson isn't cheap but I feel much more confident and secure with them on my side.

For any of these real estate funds that have guaranteed rates of returns for set periods I would want to understand how my investment is secured.