I'm really trying hard to get into real estate investing but wherever or whoever I reach out to seems to end up being a scam.

Some people are outright scamming.

While ADA will have something to say about the issue, your local fair housing / anti-discrimination laws could well be more restrictive.

@Miranda Simon there is a lot of anti-guru sentiment here on BiggerPockets.

How can I know if I’m being scammed or if this is a legitimate opportunity?

If you refuse the family because of the child, you are violating the anti-discrimination laws. 

Everyone wants to be an investor, and unfortunately many will fall prey to scams or make bad property buying decisions.

@Lane Kawaokaevery turnkey provider is not out to scam OOS investors. i think buyer needs to do their own due dilligence since the down payment is coming out of their pocket. 

And with the advent of the INternet  and to a great degree what is talked about on BP and supported by folks like you, it has created a mass of newbie non educated in the ways of real estate and some down right crooks out there scamming the public.. its the bad apples that are spoiling the bunch.. the state is responding to complaints from sellers not from realtors... or the real estate industry..

As soon as I can get around to it, I will make a blog post about them and how to protect yourself from these scams.