Or maybe a favorite way to stay updated on local rules?

Good luck, and keep us updated on how it goes!

Sounds like he was feeding you a line of garbage. 

A sellers market in general.

I would definitely check Dunn and Bradstreet for any open lines of credit, liens, judgements and the like. 

Tell them you want to get into investing and ask them if they know of anyone who might be interested in seller financing. 

I am taking action everyday and hope to close on a deal soon. 

Every restaurant had a long line.

I have been on New Western's deal list as well as another bigger local company and everytime I underwrite these deals there is very very minimal left on the bone let alone contingency funds for going over budget on the flip...

Focus on the actual deal first.