Can you easily find cash purchases close to the property and things like that?

They don't: find property, process the assumption, transfer a loan, guarantee anything.They do take a $5500 nonrefundable fee and 1% buyer side commission so as an agent I can't see how you would try them out as you will need to cut your pay.

By far the best way to scale if you don't have a lot of cash is to house hack.

The more strategies you use to locate deals the better your chances to finding deals.

Would doing a cash out refinance first to purchase next property hurt the process in anyway?

I'm starting to wonder better ways to outsource this work and find solid tenants who will stay for the long haul.

Does this affect a cash-out refinance or pulling out equity in the form of a HELOC/equity loan?

It will be tough to find cashflow in places like Charleston, Beaufort, etc, because of the prices.

If/when the IRS finds out (and they will), they can fine and penalize you as well as him for failure to report.First thing to do is to check his license status.

Let me know if you need any further help - I manage 65 or so doors and also broker for STR buyers.