Hi Earl,As @AJ H. mentioned, you may want to try speaking to some hard money lenders.You can find a list of reputable ones on the BiggerPockets site under the 'Network' tab.Best,Michael

That's how you build a reputation.

@Daniel Fridrij your title insurance should be fine as long as you are using a reputable title company.

If that's not something you agree with it could easily be seen as "not worth it", but it's really up to you.After building your reputation and smoozing with local title companies to build a funnel, it's likely you can make some decent money, but at that rate of time you could just get a part time job and save for a deal.Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. 

@Yolanda Garrett MillTown Realty is the only reputable game in town.

I would analyze a wholesaler by their reputation, how much equity they leave you in the deals, and how accurate they are in their rehab estimates.

The fact that you could strictly do a podcast interviewing local investors within Houston would be huge for your knowledge building, relationship building in your area, and it would slowly build your reputation of an area expert. 

You best bet is to higher a more reputable contractor.

It's built on reputation but anyone can hang out a shingle.

I would certainly use his services again.Carrollton Bank also has a very good reputation for REI lending; I've talked with them but have not yet used them.