You can absolutely run afoul of securities laws if NOT done correctly... that said, there are always funders out there looking for more business who are licensed themselves and regularly pay people for referrals whereby THE FUNDER orchestrates and controls the note transaction properly while the referral agent stays outside the transaction.The big key for a new note person looking to break in should, I think, go this route by concentrating on the MARKETING end, seeking out and finding private note sellers.

I've never had to orchestrate this process.Also, is it best to let your lenders know that you are shopping around to keep them a bit honest/competitive, or is it best to keep that information on the low down?

If you manage yorself, you will have to orchestrate check ins, cleaning, etc.Google some of the rental companies and look at the houses they rent out.  

I feel like there are a lot of options available to make this work, but it's a lot to orchestrate and as a first time buyer, I'm looking for advice or someone who could provide some perspective for us.Thank you for reading this, and for all the information in this forum and the media content this place provides.

I've created a free training PDF showing the process and examples of all docs YOU BRING to closing, the attorney orchestrates getting signed and notarizing. 

You can get better or worse returns in a syndication vs. a buy and hold - you just need to evaluate the #'s, the sponsor's track record, and make sure you're comfortable w/ the assumptions of each option.Key differences:1) control: in a syndication, you have little to none, mainly just whatever influence your voting rights provides2) liquidity: in a syndication, it's not easy getting out prior to the entire group selling the property3) time: being a passive in a syndication is about as passive an investment as you can get, whereas buy and hold will involve landlording, repairs, maint,, etc. unless you hire a PM company4) 1031 exchanges: must easier to orchestrate on your own buy and hold property.    

In reality, they expected way too much from themselves right from the beginning.SOLUTION: Here are your specialization options (choose one and be great at it):Acquisitions – Finding undervalued property (Private Investor).Sales – Finding buyers for the property you control (Private Investor).Managing – Looking after your property or other people’s property (Property Manager).Representing – Helping others buy and sell their property (Licensed Real Estate Agent).Renovating – Fixing up your property or other people’s property (Contractor)Financing – Helping people get financing for their property (Mortgage Broker)Lending – Loaning people money to buy property (Lender)Orchestrating – Directing all of the above to build / renovate property (Developer)I chose Acquisitions a long time ago.Everyone needs the undervalued property you find.

And there are situations that can be orchestrated where that tax never has to be paid. 

Okay so I'd have to orchestrate a double closing?

I live in Aptos and will consider orchestrating an informal meet and greet if you or anybody needs help.