Do the activities in this particular case arise to the level of quantum meruit; ALA the painting?

Decide which level of risk you're willing to take (based on your cash position, your personality, your confidence in your analytic skills, and your life goals), then compare properties until you find one with a risk-adjusted return that's HIGHER than your alternative investment options.  

Additional level of risk and makes it less desirable. 

Bottom line is that you have to get to a level of comfort that they can afford the place and are responsible enough (as individuals) to warrant an approval.

I'm here to possibly meet similar-minded individuals that have considered joining resources so that we can take our successes to the next level.

Of course, I'm making tons of assumptions about your free time, level of knowledge, etc.

You should have no problem finding varying levels of cashflow/stability and plenty of options to choose from (SFR, multi, new construction, historic, etc.)

I'm near Seattle if this kind of resource is available at the local level.

I want to bring my REI business to the next level and I focus on wholesaling. 

And later on, if values get back to "robust" levels, you could sell with the appreciation, or continue renting and cash-flowing at the favorable level.This is all coming from a newbie, so take it for what it's worth.