At times, I have been "disregarded" because I wasn't known as the owner, it didn't bother me one bit....Most of the tenants recognize me as a representative on the behalf of the owner.

I also recognize that anything less than a 3 unit multi-family seemingly will not generate any cashflow and a 3 unit is currently going for no less than 600k in the areas where I would like to purchase. 

I recognize that my biggest problem right now is knowing what to say and this seems to be the MOST common response that I get as a result of my marketing.  

I don't know what protection you're looking for or why, but a purchase contract is recognized by the courts.  

@Jim Brown That's the thing though - the marketing of college is so ingrained and sneaky, we don't even recognize it for what it is.

The important thing is to recognize that allowances need to be made.

In the case of an uninsured (not involving FHA) loan where, despite goodfaith efforts by the purchaser, there is an inability to obtain a mortgageloan from a recognized mortgage lender, 50 percent of the earnest moneydeposit will be returned.3.

You have recognized what many REI don't, and never do. 

This was good information and included his Land trust docs.However he did not mention that land trusts are not recognized in MD and often speaks of land trusts as "Asset Protection."

I tend to think that might be the more prudent way to do it versus assuming that role oneself.