We are seeing that line of distinction change in today's market, and unfortunately, that will lead to home ownership being a thing of the past for the masses and most metros moving to a rent-centric model.  

Assume things aren’t going to go well and wrote that into your model and you’ll do fine on the deal.

I feel your curiosity on how RE people still didn't figure out that with simple coding they can automate so much of their work let alone create better underwriting models and even design. 

Most importantly, as an out of state investor, his expertise in the area is critical. 

There are a few companies that work off of the multi-level marketing business model (World Financial Group for one), but scam wouldn't be the definition. 

I've enjoyed this model more. 

Interest rate really matter when you have the buy/hope/pray model.

However, partnering with others that you trust, who have capital as their resource, whereas maybe you have time / energy / hustle / expertise as yours... 

The Japanese girl could see what she had to do very clearly and her business she knew exactly what she had to do to make her business model work.

As pointed out in the above quote, yes, you're expanding your business model and your fortunes through leverage, and this will be jet fuel to your financial program.