He collects the money from his mom in cash (from Social Security I assume) and writes a total check to me for the full amount. 

I actually use some of the techniques you suggest with good success, like bouncing deals and prices off my good buyers.

As soon as I transfer pics from my camera to my networks (social media) which is going to big part of your success.

Honestly the more socially awkward the students the better.  

When you and others know someone socially you can get a gauge of who they are as a person in the areas that you interact with them. 

These techniques have been taught for years, but I don't know of any guru who has updated their material to incorporate the new restrictions imposed by the new law. 

For sellers: direct mail, bandit signs, networking with other wholesalers, Craigslist, social media/Internet marketing, telling everyone you come in contact with what you do, etc etc For buyers: Local investors club, call for rent signs, mail to rental license holders in your state, Craigslist, networking with other real estate professionals, etc

Instead of throwing away those calls, some people suggested making offers over the phone to see if they will take the number.Are there any reliable sites or techniques I can use to come up with a pretty accurate offer.

do you have a technique for constructing the offer if you don't have MLS access?

Naturally they are going to need help in a lot of areas such as business planning, social media, public relations, and strategy in order to get the word out to the highest number of investors who will ultimately fund their deals.