Steve, I know I have to have all owners (according to the deed) sign the contract for a legit transaction, but I don't typically see the deed before making an offer to the seller and getting the home under contract.

Basically, I am wondering if this is legit?

Then i went over my plans and assured the landlord that the deal was legit down to every detail.

And is this a legit concern I should have?

Some of these may be legit, but some of them...especially the ones who claim you will start off making $10,000 a week....sound like a scam.How would a scam like this work?

Any mortgage professionals or anyone who has heard of this strategy before care to shed some light on if it is legit, and if so, does it work?

Figured I would read out here if anyone local was using someone that was half way legit.

Some custodians, like Sterling Trust Company, will only allow this if its secured by real estate.If you're pooling funds, such as selling units in a LLC, you really need to do a Regulation D filing to make this legit.

Do you think I should consult a real estate lawyer to see if this deal is legit?

This would only be legit it you showed this transfer on the HUD-1, and a lender will most likely balk.You need to find a buyer who can pay you what you need and get a loan.