It didn't cost me an arm and a leg but didn't think that was the most appropriate approach.  

I get approached all the time about it and I wasn't sure how most people handle it.

If you had $250 k what approach would you take to  maximize this investment?

How can a wholesaling approach these situations?

I wish you all the best and compliment you on your forward looking and positive approach.

People will always need somewhere to live no matter what the ups and downs.Besides, it's interesting and fun and you can keep in contact with lots of people and platforms for general advice and specifics.I have a triplex in Glendale and probably wouldn't do long distance investing again because I like a more hands-on approach, but your area is a great place to invest in with steady growth and potential, so you won't need to look far. 

After two years we would have 23x$2000 = 46k and after 3 years, 35x$2000 = 70k.Is there any way to structure a lease purchase agreement so that we can approach lenders in 24 months and get a 620k mortgage for a 690k home with a 70k down payment (10%).

As the year approached, they moved forward with the purchase and appraisal.

If someone approached me for funding and they were reluctant to provide their personal address if I asked for it I would, indeed, think they were a scammer.

To be completely honest, if you were my friend/family and approached me with something like this, I would never consider it for a second.