The GAP financier was a member here on Bigger Pockets who was just recently paid back his entire balance plus his promised ROI.

I think what you are looking for is someone trained in the ways of real estate investing - an agent that will:Introduce you to FSBO's - Expired Listings and other real estate opportunitiesWill be your fiduciary representativeWill make offers for you on suitable real estateWho understands creative financing; delayed settlement, seller assisted financing, assignment, wholesaling, REO, tenant selection, soft money mortgages, tax salesWho will be responsive to your financial goals and a person of integrity and trustHelp with direct mail and street marketing to locate transactionsHousing and rent court marketingAbsolute aware of financial and contract clauses as well as contract engineeringCan assist in - delayed settlement - automatic extension, performance mortgages, subordination, principal mortgages, options and joint venturesAware of bidding on REO, forclosures, tax sales and public auctionsUp to speed on commercial real estate, lots and land as well as businesses with real estateHow should you treat this wonderful person (if you can find one) -They should have a commitment from in the form of a Fiduciary Buyers Brokers AgreementYour agreement to pay them a commission on any non-listed deals they bring youA bonus agreement for great deals that you closeA gas budget - or a cash payment for gas Kind words and respectTo be sincere and active with the agentRespect from youFirst class training on how to represent youSometimes an equity interest in the great deals the agent has initiatedListings when you are ready to sellYour cooperation - all your financials, tax returns and other information that will help your agent close dealsA few free lunches ----Good luck --- Charles

Given that we are carrying ALL of the financial risk, I am having a hard time seeing why this would be reasonable or fair.

A few action steps you can take immediately:1)  EDUCATION & CONNECT: Believe me, you haven't watched enough videos and books, BUT without any CONTEXT (which only comes from real-world experience) most of the information/knowledge you're consuming is LOST on you and the seeming immensity of it all is potentially weighing you down preventing you from taking any action at all.Mistakes are inevitable.

@Matthew CopelandTax Liens and Crowd Funding are pretty much the best options for a smaller account.Most investors will work within the standard financial services space to grow their savings and then switch to a self-directed account once they have the type of funding necessary to participate in more significant non-traditional assets such as real estate and notes.

Are there any legal/financial ramifications if I collect rent through my personal Venmo account, then transfer to my business account for my rental property?

My goal is to reach financial freedom within the next 5 years.

Agree with Jeff GreenbergIn Texas, the buyers can seek legal actions against the seller in such circumstances but you will need an attorney to represent you. 

I'm not sure whether to lower price or install a washer dryer or take other action to get it rented. 

My long term goal is to reach financial freedom by building a buy and hold portfolio that consist of single/multi family houses.