I look for good ideas and especially good people. They must have a legally registered business in the U.S., a business plan that demonstrates the financial solvency of the business, and are willing to sign a contract.
I would NEVER do business with less than these factors. Without them you do not have an investment at all. You have a promise from a kid on the internet. You need the legal backing to sue them if they scam you. Only a written contract is really useful in court.
I have a federally incorporated Canadian corporation. I don't see a problem with incorporating a US corporation (if it MUST be in the US) and funding it, if you want to talk real money. We are an international real estate holding company. PM me if you're interested in some of our opportunities.