Then, even after one deal, those same brokers and lenders will be much more inclined to do repeat business with you, and the brokers will start feeding you more and more off market deals because they know that you're for real.  

Everyone in my group that I am in contact with also works very well together sending each other tenants and just feeding each other general information.

A real estate agent with an investor mind and background is always a priceless asset .Looking for a real estate agent who can provide feed back and insight to the local market.

I tend to feed on positive people around me and I have seen a few posts claiming that out of area or out of state investors are not going to be successful.

I am also realistic that this is their livelihood and they do have to make some profit to feed their families.

Download the entire local MLS database (you will likely need to be licensed and sign an agreement to get a feed - partner with an agent if not lic.)2.

It feels like a feeding frenzy these days.

@Beth Simmons Hey Neth welcome to the feeding frenzy.

My buyers say I bring them good deals and they really want me to keep feeding them.

You may lose your earnest money, but, that would be a small price to pay compared to entering a black hole.As @Zach Quick mentioned your contractor can video tape the walk through or provide a live feed with Skype or FaceTime.I would just trust my team and press forward.Good luck.