However I take exception to people who build significant reputations on the basis of having done X number of deals but their involvement in those deals is strictly as a capital raiser.

There are many ways to get involved in real estate investing here. 

Super easy for all parties involved, just takes a while to get the money deposited, as I'm sure you have already read

I'm 22 years old.I recently moved to Kansas City and would like to get involved investing in real estate - flips, rentals, and wholesales. 

My concern is the check would most likely bounce or be involved in some check kitting scam. 

At some point, it is your investment and as the CEO you must get involved. 

I put down 20% plus closing costs on all of them.I don't know all of Brandon's deals but I believe he got some hard-money loans, borrowed money from relatives, and at least one of them involved a credit card (which he doesn't recommend).You can read "Investing In Real Estate With No (And Low) Money Down" to get an idea of some differents strategies or you can scour the blogs and forums and collect the information for free.

It is a process which will probably involve giving them notice and a chance to correct, before you can ultimately do an eviction.Either way it sounds like they are/will be difficult so I would strongly recommend consulting an attorney who specializes in evictions.

I would say that Bakersfield is a more diverse economy than Barstow, but I am not that familiar with Barstow so I cannot say which would have better cashflow opportunities. 

Oh, be sure to understand your landlord rights also...not sure if NY is tenant or landlord friendly but I would just make sure you understand what is involved should you need to evict.