Look at it from the roofer's perspective, there are many crooks and wanabie investors looking to take advantage of him as well.I would use the third party idead for each of your protection and comfort levels just to be safe.

If I want to get approval on a transaction it usually comes from someone with a title like that.Yea I am referring to someone specific.

It's not a huge profit, but it's a safe profit.  

If you are running all of your transactions though a commercial credit line / business entity, why wouldn't something like an S-Corp work better?

Even if it is your first one, you ACTED as a "dealer to real estate" for that transaction.

and he mentioned mailers with Tylenol in it (or something that is safe to ship).Your property giving you a headache?

Just like Monopoly, buy as many properties as you can safely handle and then watch the wealth snowball gain size as it goes along.

So would it be safe to say that If I can find a way to mix both of your strategies that I would be set for an awesome life as a real estate investor?

I have done many transactions and I am good, but it sounds like you have some loose ends to tie up.

Late fees, fines/citations, water/sewer, and finally rent.As an aside but related... we implemented a rigorous move-in, safe and clean, and move-out inspection system that protected us 100% when standing before a judge.