Don't look for the biggest companies but some that are small and the owners are involved in the business. 

I don't think so, nothing against him, there's just too many programs out there.

I’m intentionally pressure-testing the structure before committing further.The deal involves a 31×110 infill lot (~3,400 sq ft)zoned to allow a duplex by right, with an overlay that may support an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

They dont have any hard stats on the success of the people in the network so they couldn't tell me how many people who paid for the network had gotten involved and had success from their process.

I want to hear the honest downsides to what the program has to offer.

If you don't have the 3%, the FHA program allows it to be gifted by a relative.

It's become common practice with these syndication education programs to use misleading websites listing the mentors as a member of an "advisory board" while listing transactions in a manner that's intentionally vague and intending to mislead potential investors on the track record and of the capital raiser. 

I can't speak to the entire country, but you're in VA, and I've seen quite a bit of rent-to-own in VA Beach, so this may help: For the demographic you’re thinking about — younger buyers with decent income but affordability challenges — I've seen them participate in programs like shared equity or down-payment assistance more so than rent-to-own for a few reasons: Traditional rent-to-own operates in a different corner of the market than the one you’re focused on.In many areas, like VA Beach, rent-to-own tends to show up with older, more distressed homes that wouldn’t function well as traditional rentals.

Has anyone try this program?

It actually is reasonably priced for the level of effort involved but more than would be charged for the automatic trash trucks lifting the trashcan from the curb.- of course there is fire danger in the sierras and getting fire insurance is via the CA Fair Plan.