There is a finance company that I have been in communications with for several weeks that seem legitimate, but I am wanting to do my research and confirm that they are real. 

The moment you feel you are comfortable and are able to communicate with a lender and a seller, then pick a niche and strategy (one for now).

So I started to put something together on a website last year, just to make communicating with investors easier(showing investment performance, documents, etc).

Stay in close communication with everyone.

The point is to communicate with whoever you are trying to communicate with and door count is rarely the right method. 

It seems  like an extra step for communications, especially when we just live upstairs.

If so, communicate via phone/email/mail. 

These rules will help you make money, in my experience, even if markets go bad for a while as they often do: 1) Learn how to present your ideas, communicate, sell, negotiate both verbally and in writing and both one on one and publicly2) Know your math, wealth is a skill based on numbers, so know current numbers, expected numbers and cost plus time to get there3) Know how to organize, prioritize and focus on the macro as well as the micro steps by truly observing and analyzing to constantly shift and adjust as needed4) Know how to stay healthy, alert and energetic to produce productively and be effective efficiently to get more done in a unit of time based on the 80/20 rule5) Network strategically time exchange in abundance with powerful well connected allies who can show you the short cuts that you can duplicate, leverage and scale6) Master the creative process and use your resources in a resourceful manner to get started, build momentum, grow and contribute to the greater good

If you do decide to go the traditional bank route, let me know and I can share a few banks with high -to-mid 2's on 30yr fixed loans.Last comment/question - is all your communication with the owner going through the PM?

@Frank HinckNot sure about "many states" but for example in Florida; you are required to have a license if you are:"(a) Representing to the public, through advertising or other means of communicating or providing information (including the use of business cards, stationery, brochures, signs, rate lists, or promotional items), by any medium whatsoever, that such individual can or will perform the activities described in F.S. 494.001(23).