Almost an impossible way to “get started” as you’re going to need full purchase price in cash on hand or a HML willing to instantly fund you. 

But, an LLC will not limit you from liability in total.

They must be totally desperate! 

Totally agree with you and it looks like I need to get a business license to do the intermediate leasing occupancy (ILO) in SF.

For example: would you want to do 2 flips in a year and make 140K on each for a total of 280K.

got out of flipping to new construction in our market in columbus ohio. licensed general contractor. when interest rates got high single family existing went down by 30% new builds sold at a 6% increase that year which demonstrated the desire and premium that new construction commands. never looking back. total control, rinse and repeat. we can get permits in 28 days. we can buy land cash in 21 days. we can build in 120 days to 140 days and keep moving. super scalable and easy and no risk. we build the same 2-3 Floorplans 

It sounds as if you have a property management issue on your hands.

Still can be very beneficial for a new investor but personally I think not as good as a service as they had with their exclusive listings where they had inspections already done, rent rolls available, and you can complete the entire offer/acceptance via their platform rather than being handed off to an agent. 

In my experience, success in D-class areas almost always requires being local, extremely hands-on, and self-managing.

The successful wholesalers are the ones that are direct with the seller and have done an analysis on the deal to show it can be a successful investment (always double check with your own)totally agree, I would add the don't act sketchy and present their available homes in a consistent/professional manner to buyers.