I was trying to explore my options.

Focus on helping them get the money to pay you before exploring alternative options.

My b/f is a reputable Remodel General Contractor, lives in San Jose.

Explore that facility.

We are licensing this data from a company that aggregates active listings -- can't really get more into their methodology than that publicly, but its a well known reputable company. 

Confirm the QI you chose is insured, bonded, holds client's funds in a Qualified Trust or Qualified Escrow account, has reputable reviews from others, have been in the business a number of years, and has the expertise and experience to assist you and your clients.

I have a reputation in the Greenville, SC area as a realtor who is an expert in the local the RE investing market.

Of course there are wrong ways to do it, but the wholesaler I'm working with operates this way and they do 50-80 contracts a month with a stellar reputation.

For financing shop around and find a reputable lender, don’t think best rate equals best deal since a “promise” means nothing until rate lock and closing docs signed. 

I don't know if this applies to the entire state, but NY does not have a reputation for cheap real estate.If you haven't got 25% to invest locally, maybe you have enough to invest out of state.