I've also never taken out a car loan, student loan (lent the gov't my body for 8 years instead, GI Bill is of course interest on that loan), engagement ring loan, etc.

Any tips on how to approach people, especially seasoned Investors. what questions I should be asking, even help on body language etc.

Find the office that has plenty of donuts and coffee and lots of people hanging around bs'ing about last night's game, or how their one-and-only contract fell out and are ready to pounce on any breathing body that comes through the door.  

The general public needs a governing body to oversee this stuff to protect the public's interests.

No SSAE16-Soc II report on file, No E&O, no regulatory body governing them, no audited financials, no policies and procedures on NPPI data, etc.) they aren't going to be able to call an institutional lender/servicer/bank to buy a note.Our diatribe ends up being to the benefit of the OP.

Now you also loose your homeowners insurance because no body wants to underwrite!  

The banks diversify as many way's as they can to limit the risks and maximize their returns within the regulatory limits.2.

You can also check out their body of work to see what kind of buy side and list side deals they have done recently.

What is the regulatory environment where your property is located - is it legal?

So I'd suggest that you put some weight on and grow out some facial and/or body hair.