Extra points for using the word Smithereens. one of my favorites! 

In fact, it gave me the distinct impression that I may never get a deal funded and that it was a SCAM to get my upfront payment (maybe not, but that is the impression I got) - and one of my favorite quotes is "Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me!"

Check out my personal favorite, Set For Life by @Scott Trench , or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. 3.

I also enjoy cooking, reading, live music, fitness, international travel and learning. 

My favorite real estate strategy for starting out is always buying a too big house (foreclosure/estate sale, “rent-ready” but with problems like smokey or smelly or painted weirdly), near where I work and and living in it for free with 2-4 roommates.

I live just south of Atlanta, GA, have a lovely wife and I enjoy playing music (guitar, piano), exercise and trivia night at the local pub.Feel free to reach out to me. 

House-hacking is my favorite strategy especially if you don't have your first home in the market yet.

It's where I live/work and invest and by far my favorite market.1) It's incredibly boring.

I’ve had good success with these methods- Driving around and keeping an eye out for run down properties and sending them a letter or calling them- wanted ads on Craigslist - want to buy signs in a particular neighborhoodWhat are your favorite ways to find off market deals?

It at least was for me.As my 3 least favorite rental houses became vacant, I sold them 1 by 1 since the summer of '16.They had done their duty and so had I.