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. 

But that can also be dangerous. 

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. 

The leading real state books and educators teach the following basic approaches to buy real estate creatively.Some good and some not so good.Later I'll discuss the pros and cons of the best creative financing methods so you can determine which to use for your particular situationLand ContractsOptions, Leases, Options to purchaseAITD's (All inclusive trust deeds or wraps)Seller carry back deeds of trusts/mortgagesTaking subject to the existing financingNot recording the deed, which is dangerous if not properly protectedRecording a memorandum of agreement Trusts:Transfer the property to the sellers trust, get the bank to approve the transfer and then have the beneficiary of the sellers trust changed to the buyer.Just transferring title into the buyers name hoping the lender won't call the loan.Equity shareAny of these will trigger the due on sale clause and as a buyer or seller if you haven't put safeguards in place, you are unprotected against claims against the title from showing up and or the lender calling the loan due.Are you prepared to take the chance that the seller may further encumber the property or resell to someone else?

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

I have even advised my friend a few times about the dangers/what he is risking by working "outside" of the system.

This could be good for your records to show no dangerous mold in the air after rehab.

Letting him see you making 10k for only a couple days work will be dangerous.