And further, given that such a small group of individuals could undertake such a fraud without detection, what other manipulations are going on that we aren’t yet aware of?

Any individual or group that will be interested, I am open to talk with them. 

It may help your cause if you have an idea of what they might want, like;2 years of tax formsDefinitely, personal balance sheet, or called an individual financial statement, where you fill out what your assets and debts are, loan balances on properties, market value of properties, car loans or free & clear, bank balances, life insurance, etcProfit & loss statements, perhaps a portfolio of your properties (before/after)Last 2 pay stubs, if you have a jobJust a conversation about what you've done, what you want to do, etc.  

At 3920 Appling, the giant tree in the front yard would be kept by a lot of individuals that our in my niche, but it is already pushing up the front deck and while it poses no current threat (and may never) to the house, it should be addressed b/c it could be a potential issue.  

The more you read, learn from the forums, and listen to BP podcasts, the more realistic the idea of buying numerous properties in 1 year will sound.

Speaking to individuals who have experienced the type of investing your looking to do is key. 

I would never EMD funds into any of my business or personal accounts - I know for licensed individuals in Nevada that it is expressly illegal and I'm guessing that it poses a problem for non-licensed individuals as well (commingling funds).

Accountant—CPA who is aware of the ins and outs of real estate and preferably owns rental properties.Insurance agent—someone who is local and can help get the best possible insurance for each individual transaction.Contractor-- someone who gets things done on time and under budget.

I understand with a seller's market deals will be hard to come by and margins may be smaller but I am sure if I network with like minded individuals it is possible.  

I am very inexperience with the exception of the numerous books read but has decided this is something I would live to pursue.