Cause once that contractor has that money it is his, you have no recourse whatsoever in getting reimbursed for shoddy work and pictures can lie. 

However, we keep coming back to the potential that the best first deal actually lies in a property that my mom owns in San Diego.

How I have found information in the past has always been off the local tax assessor, whitepages, social media, Direct Mailing, etc..

For specific questions contact the Horry County Tax Assessor's office, 843-915-5040. 

The reason is that one wants to be able to properly avail themselves to the laws and protection of the corresponding state where the property lies. 

I noticed when looking at the local tax assessor that my name (purchaser) was listed as 50% while someone else was listed as the other 50%.

The answer normally lies in what your goals are.  

My particular interests lie in the buy-and-hold market, as I'm looking to own both short- and medium-term rentals. 

I'd be lying if I said it would be the first time.Instead, I asked her for a hug.

Hosts do anything to ensure a 5-star, to include lying about the guest just to coax a positive review out of them.Hotels don't look at reviews and they do just fine.The people you are talking about are the same ones that will eat most of a steak dinner, then demand a refund because it was under-cooked.