That's always another potentially larger expense to think of. 

They'll have to find someone willing to do a very large down Trade as the seller (like most normal people) is trying to do a 1031 Trade up, to a much larger property. 

I watched Chris Goff's webinar and have signed up with REIPro to educate myself on wholesaling and I am eager to get started.I would love to network with other Real Estate Investors in the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) area and do joint ventures together. 

Another option is to network like crazy in your area and find a very qualified person/mentor to jv with.

Everything I've read says network, network, network...hard to do from here (granted I'm not a natural networker anyways).These are all mostly excuses...I acknowledge this.  

Is there a way to legally require a larger security deposit?

There are plenty of write ups here about Morris Invest and their network of companies in different markets.As far as why people choose different markets beyond the ROI equations.Location.

I typically focus on larger commercial properties, but would be happy to chat with you and see if we'd be a good fit. 

I would love to start a networking meet up with others in the area!

This is a relationship business - we got into our first MF deal through networking.