I agree with Jon, it might be a challenge finding all inclusive packages including airfare with 5k, not impossible just difficult.I suggest you pick somewhere where you can enjoy some of the hobbies you and the family like - and there are tons of places.

This is not legal advice, but one alternative is that the loan documents simply give him a limited power of attorney to sign the deed in lieu on your behalf if you default (rather than you signing and him holding deed in trust).

That pretty well means that it is impossible for mankind to devise any method, system, program, arrangement or agreement of any kind that allows credits or reduces the fair market value that may lead to any purchase of residential property by an owner occupied buyer.

With that base you should be able to decide for yourself what will fit your entry level property or investment.What I'm saying is that this business has so many facets it's impossible for one to advise you with the given information.The encouraging part is......It's for you!

If this is legal, how would you be able to protect yourself from this investor taking the house?

Costs of taxes, insurance, repairs, servicing, legal fees all add up pretty darn quick.

Is that possible and legal?

From a legal perspective it would seem that the agency is charging a flat fee to "broker" the deal and that is their discretion to do so if they choose.

I've been emailing an attorney that was referred to me by a reputable investor in my area and was wondering if $500 for up to 4 hours of work is too much to be paying for his legal services?

i see Bill Bedor was scammed by BMRES in colorado and saw he was taking legal action...