I'm the buyer, how do I protect myself with owner financed deal?

[Ashleigh T Lambert]

I'm still new to this, but I know owner financing can be a beautiful thing. I found an "ugly house" with a highly motivated seller. She's willing to sell for $59,000, downpayment $20,000 0%apr with payments of $650 x 60months. Sounds great!!! I've already had a contractor over to look at the place and it will need $50,000 in work, but will ARV around $140,000 and is a duplex in a desirable area with good rents that will cover. FYI--I'm an out of state investor.

SO.... I've corresponded via text and email with the seller (she's also out-of-state for the property) and we've reached our terms.  She mentioned that she would do a LAND CONTRACT for the term and it will be filed with the county.  I've reached out to a local real estate lawyer and my contractor has also done these deals--so I have some great resources, but want to pose some questions to the hive mind here as well:

1.) I've never met this person, I know her name and it matches to the name on the title via a county title search.  Is there a way to ensure she is who she says she is and has the right to sell the property?

2.) I've reached out to the title company and will get a title search--will this also disclose any liens on the property?

3.) With a land contract, am I taking a risk?  I will be heavily invested in this property and the improvements--I don't want to lose it.

4.) Can I take out a mortgage/refi the property before the term is up on the owner financing and pay her off? I'd like to BRRR this one and don't want to wait 5 years for my investment.

5.) What other questions should I be asking or aware of?

Thank you all!  As I said, I have an appointment to speak with an attorney, but I want to have my ducks in a row before I go in there--they charge by the minute :)