If people are not willing to a small amount on a background check, that's a clear sign you should not deal with these people.

I joined to learn more through reading the  discussion boards and by offering my services to people in the DFW area. 

I show people my projects all the time. 

For most people, that will be in their own backyard.

Utilizing meetups, you could get referrals and meet real people in your area.

Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing

Great part of the county and wonderful people!

The people I rent to don't like 20 year old appliances.

For me its the following1. copies of my professional licenses  so people can check up on me. 

First, build the actual business in theory with a brand.Second, go to every real estate investor meetup in the area and see if this is something that people would pay for and if so, how much.