You are smart to be cautious… there are scams everywhere you turn on the internet. 

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you mentioned an interest in buy and hold, I added a couple links below on this niche for your review, while waiting for local connections and feedback on the Kansas City area. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Can anyone tell me if finding a hard money lender for a house hack is a smart strategy?

I say go for it. if your a go getter and motivated and a person that is not afraid of work, you can succeed at a part timer. anyways with modern technology, no one will know your a part-timer. you can call buyers, agents, brokers, anytime of day and they will not know that your doing it while working another job at the same time.

I know a lot of smart people who underestimated it and now can’t pass. 

My goal oriented plan: Using the SMART system, for those who don't know, Specific, Measurable, Actionable/Attainable, Realistic, Time Oriented.

Improved management - and technology - it's a story still being written.

So it is possible, she was a pretty smart person, just not a nice one.Also, in CA now, most Counties will not accept tax payment without knowing your association with the property. 

I’m doing customer research for a new platform that would help landlords and property managers automate their communication with tenants and perspective tenants using new to world chat technology. 

His references and background checked out, and he's actually a pretty high earner with around six figure income, business owner, and seemed like a smart and professional guy in his 50s that had recently been divorced.