Originally posted by @John Jones:Welcome, Jeremy!

We agree to my assignment fee and close the deal.

Originally posted by @Deanna Graham:I found a Single family house I want to purchase.

Originally posted by @Jacob Murphy:My favorite cashflow neighborhoods: Cheviot, White Oak, Monfort Heights, Miami Township, Lockland, Reading.

Do they typically do this for a fee?  

Originally posted by Michael S.

Some potential drawbacks to keep in mind are:Additional closing and loan origination costs (two transactions/mortgages instead of one) - speak to your lender and title company about costsTwo insurance policies instead of one - probably close to double the insurance cost as compared to a duplex - get a quote from a good insurance agent and compareTwo sets of property taxes instead of oneThese certainly aren't deal killers, and the benefits noted above may outweigh the disadvantages.

Originally posted by @Dawn Anastasi:I used Lending Club and Prosper to finance houses that were low cost. 

I just had a property turn over and followed this procedure for the showings:I advertise the property and handle all calls, emails, texts on it and set up viewing appointments (I group them all within 30-45 minutes on one day)The current tenants show the property to prospective rentersWhen someone applies, they email or fax in the application and pay the application fee via PayPal (although I am now trying out Cozy for applications) and I process the applicationIf the application passes, I prepare and email over the lease for signatureWhen the lease is signed and sent back to me, I send over a payment request for the first month's rent (via Dwolla or Cozy)At the check-in, I drive to the property to check them in myself and collect the security deposit in secured funds (or use Cozy to collect it beforehand)I have been doing the above for a long time and it has worked pretty well.

If he is legit, then he shouldnt need anything from you up front (maybe a small $100 application fee at most)Use an escrow service.