I’m not sure who paid legal fees but they must have been significant. 

Quote from @Patrick M Nichols: Cogo is a total scam... lots of fees on the front end.

Large syndication company, higher fees than most other syndicators.

That's not worth 15% of the job.Another thing to consider is that some managers will charge low management fees and then add maintenance fees to bring in more income, while others charge high, all-inclusive management fees.

And @Michael Plaks is correct that setting up in GA didn't avoid the CA LLC fee. 

They will take the permit fee and send an inspector that will provide some assurance that the work was performed correctly.

You also implied that we don't specifically price deals for our clients and the client's "rates and fees will be much higher".

Private Money Lenders (PML): More flexible, relationship-based funding with lower fees.

Hey Richard I have a Sub 2 deal in Akron perfect for STR. 6k entry fee 6% interest 165k balance. 

Not necessarily a scam, maybe someone trying to save fees.