They also say they have an A+ rating with the better business bureau, however they are not BBB accredited and therefore have no rating with the BBB.

If you're looking crowdfunding your own project and are just starting out in syndication/crowdfunding, you'll probably be starting with a Reg D offering first, meaning you should be trying to target accredited investors.

If you're an accredited investor you should check out the crowdfunding portals.  

doesn't that require you to be an accredited investor?

The problem with crowdfunding is that they require the borrower to be an accredited investor.

I talked to quite a few references, had a lawyer buddy that lives in FL do some extensive searching to see if he could turn up any dirt, checked BBB accreditation, etc.

It is not an accredited university or college, it's not a government information site, it's not a law firm handing out legal information, it is in the business of driving internet traffic and collecting membership fees.

Everyone needs to be "accredited".The Jobs Act did provide a path to take in funds from "sophisticated" investors but I'm fuzzy on the details.  

Do you know if they are accredited?

So how do you form partnerships with local investors that are not accredited and not get into trouble.