I know a lot of people interpreting "upstate NY" think of areas north of NYC....  

Same goes for number of LLCs and what to fund them with, since bear in mind that CA tends to be more cumbersome and expensive to have LLCs than other states.California is generally more cumbersome than other states when it comes to taxes and filings.

Would like to know how you secured the BLOC.

I have an opportunity to purchase a home around 350k from a seller I know. 

We have a break lease fee (we operate in Kansas and Missouri) and I know we use a flat fee and not a multiple of the rent (I think because that way the deposit cannot be applied to it or for some reason with local laws, admittedly I don't remember).The main thing is though that 1) it's in your lease and 2) it's in compliance with your local and state laws.

Obviously, based on my relationship with the company, I'm not unbiased, but most people here on BiggerPockets know that I value my reputation above all, and when I agreed to join FTF as an advisor a couple years ago, it was because I was very impressed not only with their business model and underwriting guidelines, but with the CEO (Matt Rodak) and the rest of the management team.I have no requirement to invest my own money on the FTF platform; I do that simply because I like the platform, like the deals that are being funded and find the returns to be nearly as good as the private lending I do, but without all the overhead. 

Hey Jake, I know of someone who's doing it and I plan to on two of my units once they turn over, one being in September.

I want to know if this is a scam before I proceed or not. 

Whether they will settle one in Saint Mary's county I dont know.

Knowing more Bigger pockets members also helps find off market properties or whole salers and Realtors to help find good deals.