So essentially in 90% of cases you increase your costs and risk for no increased reward.

Just make sure both of the individuals are trustworthy. 

Your best bet is what Nathan mentioned about Meetups for finding a group of like-minded individuals. 

You can also try to find individuals through the BiggerPockets site for team members. 

Lenders individually direct who they want for a notary.

These look to be priced as individual retail properties, which may justify the price.

Travis,Most banks and credit unions offer Freddie/Fannie conforming loans which are to individuals. 

No individual leases), on July 2nd, 2 adults, and their kids and all pets left without returning the keys.

We've also done some random very low cost, with potential reward things like paying for flyer-space under a local diner's glass tables. 

Coordinating that communication and anticipating potential problems, a good experienced TC may get you by but now we're getting into the zone of high risk going agentless for the limited reward of saving 6% commission.