You may not have the willpower to do the research and find a deal on your own but at least becoming familiar with returns in the area and the area itself before giving your money to a stranger may be a wise move.

Then, send out your scope, timeline, budget to local trades instead of asking strangers to be honest with someone who doesn't know anything.The more you know, the more success you have.

Strangers on the internet, including BP, might be helpful, but your best bet is going to be folks you can meet face to face and show the deal.

Some sellers only trust the agent or wholesaler they are working with and don't want strangers in their home unattended even if that means they are with other agents.I fully agree that often selling off-market is not the best thing for the seller.

I'm no stranger to time on the road.

A second lien position to a stranger is a pretty big risk for a first time lender.

No strangers walking through looking at your things. 

They don't have to fix it up or have strangers walking through their house looking at their stuff.  

Hate the idea of having lots of strangers come through your home to decide if they like it?

Separate utility from excess & bling and stop trying to impress people that don't matter (like strangers on the freeway looking at your newly-leased $700/month Mercedes - foolish!).