@Alexa K. thanks for sharing your experience.

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

If you do get contacted by someone who is serious (with experience) then just request a large deposit to protect yourself. 

Does anyone have any experience with this particular fee or lender?

You also need to, as @Lydia T. said, train your callers based on your own experience with this list.

I am considering investing with them but I want to know your experiences and how close you are to the cash flow that's being advertised.

This experience highlighted the importance of creative strategies and efficient execution in real estate investment.

In my experience overall- costs are going to be higher.

Rentredi is also a popular one (paid service) but I can't give my personal experience on that.

a) You should say where you are if you want specific advice.b) The only work-around you'll get if you sneak around any Planning Dept is a hefty fine (in my experience)