I work directly with other private lenders who have been doing this far longer than Pace's program who have established a great track record of ongoing incoming deals and have legal systems in place.

Can I be held legally responsible for paying this guy? 

You need to build a team (Legal, Title, Appraiser, Accountant) just like when buying real estate. 

You Sir are the very living definition of "Arrogant Ignorance".     

It definitely needs updating and might have some minor structure issues. 

I know it's a ton of information, but is there some sort of reference guide I can obtain that will guide me to the correct information I need to get started correctly so I don't get into legal trouble down the road?

It can depend on factors, sounds like in the ballpark but definitely smart to shop around. 

I had a calm today with Royal Legal solutions as I own three businesses in California and need to move them to a trust and start shielding myself and succession plan as well.

I’ll definitely pass this along.

Or what seems crazy to me.Is it legal to create a 501c3 organization to buy investment properties and rent them out at fair market value?