He then proceeds to send me a list of homes that he came across for us to go look at; ironically the homes on his list are about 15-20% higher in price than the ones I suggested.

I had many conversations with different brokerages until I found the best one for me, which ironically was within the first bunch that I interviewed.I belong to a brokerage that allows me to do business my way within the law and it is a brokerage w/o a lot of formal training.

Same scenario as others have mentioned; someone reports they're doing "god's work" (here in the south folks often don't question those who claim to be doing such work) and are renting their homes on the cheap.Last one that came up on craigslist I got so mad at I actually called the number and left a message that if I ever found them I'd hunt them down and blow them to kingdom come (I thought that was rather ironic...must have been a Monday when I called). 

Something wrought iron (pointy) with a lock and maybe other deterrents like sharp shrubbery might help.Motion lights can also be a deterrent.

I started my career working foreclosure in 1978 and, somewhat ironically, became owner of a mortgage banking company some years later. 

I think you will see I'm way better at finding and exciting these deals than structuring iron clad partnership agreements it's my only real uncertainty on this deal.On my next post I I will have pics and we will have all the loose ends covered working towards closing escrow on or before 8/14 per our short sale approval.

Also, a little ironic that this comes out of Texas.

I'm not sure why we're trying so hard to iron this down to a generational thing.

It's ironic that you say other posters are making emotional arguments. 

I don't even allow them to discuss how much they are willing to pay.Your question of whether you would be liable is ironic.