Here are some strategies to look into: Lease Option, All Inclusive Trust Deed, Second Lien Position, Land Contract, Subject to.You will definitely want to work with a real estate attorney if you decide to do any of these (other than maybe a lease option) just to make sure that you have all your ducks in a row and don't mess anything up.I wish I could provide more help here but I have not done any of these and they are quite complex so I do not want to give you bad information.

Perhaps look into who you can partner with in 2 - 3 markets, and see where you can build a team that you trust.

Don't trust them, do your own numbers.

Don't trust them, do your own numbers.

Don't trust them, do your own numbers.

Don't trust them, do your own numbers.

However, since you won't be signing on the loan, that mitigates most of the risk for you, which means your partner would have to have a very high level of trust in you.

It is all about building a trust between you and your agent. 

But why would you trust someone to draft your deed that isn't a licensed, insured attorney with an office where you can find them if something does go wrong? 

put your questions to your trusted plumber/hvac pro.