I would put the mortgage in both of your names and use a mortgage broker to find the best rates.

Kinney Pike is the insurance broker I use in Vermont to find me the best coverage and rates on multifamily.www.kinneypike.com

Make it clear that their failure to perform inspections enabled the problem to worsen and they are therefore liable.If they refuse to pony up, you can file a complaint with their Broker and then the real estate commission or whatever your governing body is for California.

You will need to get creative to search out off-market deals that haven't already been approached by dozen's of investors.Work with a list broker for recommendations and be sure to get a list that has been run through the National Change of Address (NCOA). 

One rule of thumb I always tell agents is to speak to your broker or agents within your own brokerage.

I want to show that you can find cashflow in nice areas of the north side if you look hard and get creative.I just brokered a 3 unit in the neighborhood SW of north and western intersection in walking distance to the 606 trail and Western Blue Line stop.

I thought great, we haven't found the perfect rental yet and I won't have to make the drive again.My broker says not to trust them, that they will steal my commission if I am not there for it but that if I have it in writing (via email) that the agent understands I am representing them and will be entitled to my portion of the commission if they rent the unit.Do you think this is enough protection?

Until then, we will be looking for an agent to help us find our starter property, a broker(s) once we are licensed and will try to find local meetups and networking events as well.

The fact that someone is able to look at two paths (Wholesaling & Real Estate Brokering) and is not smart enough to see which one has more income generating opportunity tells me that they aren't sophisticated critical thinkers.

It entails the following steps:Calculate the Net Operating IncomeDetermine the appropriate Capitalization Rate (or ask your broker)Divide the Net Operating Income by the Cap Rate to arrive at an estimated valueWhile the steps are simple, the underwriting is a bit more complex.