Maybe it was easier when you started a long time ago when prices were relatively normal and you bought your own house built some equity and started that way..It's not easy to start with no experience and no capital so you need to leverage other people's experience.

Any clarification on that would be appreciated.Also from my research hard money lenders want you to have skin in the game.

They are experienced and normal transaction to open accounts for non-residents. 

(I believe to be the best option)Option 2: You pay normal rent of $950 and I honor your $850 deposit.

Is this normal?

What a normal rough cut multiple for the annual GRM multiple (not the 1% rule)?

Normal home purchasing process.

I agree with J Scott above, many ways to skin this cat and there are no set standards.

Or anyone have suggestions of alternative routes to the normal path most new brokers take to find a mentor? 

I can get normal financing but, I've seen that this can be a better option with less down.Any advice is welcome