I've wondered that myself and thought: If an investor was looking for birddogs why would the birddog have to pay the investor money before they began securing leads for the investor, that the investor would then in turn give the birddog an investor's cut on the profit end???

Sometimes it can be difficult to collect and some landlords will keep any unpaid utilities out of the security deposit, though CA is one of the trickier states to do this in.

Sure, but again securing $500,000 isn't difficult.That said, liability coverage is lawsuit protection coverage just like it is for you. 

I've also used some more obscure companies in the seller financing world like Pioneer Title in Idaho (they call in Long Term Escrow Servicing) and Security Escrow in NM (recently purchased by Sunwest Escrow).

Yes, you bought what seems like a good deal on paper, but in reality, you own an old apartment building in a neighborhood with poor security, possibly surrounded by long-vacant shops, streets piled with garbage, and a poorly managed community.

He isn't rich enough to have a body guard and a security professional.

.✅ Thirdly, in regard to objectionable tenancy and nuisance caused by disruptive tenants, you will need to document these violations with undeniable evidence.Because police reports are not usually able to be procured due to disturbances like drug trafficking or domestic violence, you’ll need to take matters into your own hands on producing that documentation.I recommend getting security cameras installed in all common areas and outside your properties.I’ve used SimpliSafe security cameras but you’ll need to install WiFi service at your properties so that you can maintain recordings in the event of violations and add to your lease that any tampering with said cameras constitutes a lease violation as well.This is still developing and once we get further clarity, we will host a round table with legal experts on how to best protect our properties and residents.

Looking ahead, once you secure a tenant, perhaps this is something that should be explored to make the next lease up easier.Also, @Caria Mitchell raised an interesting point in saying: We are experiencing a shortage of qualified applicants, I’ve noticed non-conventional applicants vs qualified applicants that don’t have a voucher or some form of subsidy. 

I am an investor in debt DIRECTLY secured by REAL ESTATE.  

It seems like offering this as a separate package once you secured the booking is a good idea.