@Julie K Fredrick never completely trust the advice of someone whose salary depends on the outcome, no matter how well intentioned (ahem).

Trust me, I have learned that the hard way.

People with any extensive real estate holdings hold them in a trust (or possibly an LLC) so you might go to list brokers and ask for properties in your target area that are held by a trust.

It is never really justified if they are a generalist, if they specialize in something like trust creation, company structuring etc. then it might be worth something.

On that note, if anyone reading this is paying over 3.5% on their primary residence right now in California for God's sake call @Chris Mason or your trusted mortgage broker. 

I certainly don't want that to happen simply because I trusted they'd accommodate my demands regarding the escrow. 

I would recommend the BP book on Rental properties.2) How much do you trust this "someone"?

Trust your gut.

A trust vehicle may be the best route.

- He's a family friend and I trust him, plus he has significant experience in real estate.I don't have the funds myself but am working to finding an investor.Would you, the BP community, structure your fee based on funds invested OR profit once the deal is done, or both?