Having dual licenses, loan origination and real estate, has got me involved in most parts of the investment transaction.  

Hi Bobby, I'm the ops manager for the Property Management Division at Milestone Premier Properties and a licensed realtor and investor.I actually live in Denton too butour brokerage is based in downtown Denison where I commute 2x a week.

@Mindy Jensen this is what I do until I've established a good relationship with them. 

We are in the top 10 fastest growing big cities right now, so families and singles are constantly flying in to check out the area.Raleigh allows short term rentals if you apply for a license.

I always collect social security numbers, driver's license numbers, date of birth, etc.

Supplement this far simpler entity approach by ensuring you have appropriate types and levels of insurance, you operate your business in a manner in which your conduct is not considered an exclusion in your policy, you work with licensed and insured vendors, you execute contracts with indemnification clauses with these same vendors/ require additional insured status &  maintain appropriate licensing and permits.

It may be beneficial to link up with an established wholesaler and pay them to mentor you or work for them and learn.

If there are any recommendations/referrals to established professionals in that market and you are willing to share them.

I am also a licensed real estate agent. 

Agreed mate,I'm all about taking personal responsibility and I have been swindled many times in a similar fashion like many feel on this thread.It seems like these investors including myself in other instances get negligent and don't read between the lines.Especially after trust and a relationship have been established, we become gullible and don't second guess or question.Maybe it's greed for some but in my instance it wasn't.Just innocent and trusting stupidity (No, I'm never a victim as that is ******** mentality in my book).I had some spare $$$ and wanted to diversify in other assets through folks I considered friends and trustworthy business partners.Didn't even think twice to look things over.Looking back, it all makes sense now but it's easy being a general after the battle heheI only blame myself here...I mentioned in the thread further above that I lost to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.Again, it is what it is and it's a lesson.Only myself to blame and have always taken the high road in such instances.As much as I'd like to fight for justice and go down the legal path, it just isn't worth the time and emotion.Upwards and onwards.Become better and make more than you have lost.Each to their own and that's just my personal "modus operandi"