Ask your agent to check the buyers track record, portfolio if possible and verifying it with the tax assessor and also ask for proof of funds as a bank statement.

Feel free to reach out if you still want some assistance with the search.

For instance, lenders in SC can offer a downpayment assistance (and a related first responder/veteran loan) program through SC Housing Authority.

That's not to say all of them, there are definitely a lot of professional and successful residential GCs (take a look at some of the guys commenting above, their track records are impressive).

Specifically, is the rental market stable, and is reliable assistance (like agents, property managers, contractors, etc.) available?

To: Dion DePaoliCan you tell me how I find those real estate attorneys with some experience in assisting an investor in purchasing bank notes?

So to end this post, if anyone happens to know of someone who can provide such knowledge or who may need assistance that would be amazing! 

I also built 4 other homes on the other side of the tracks that sold for 2 to 3 million each and they were no more than probably 1 mile as the crow flys.

2) What percentage is their track record of delivering what they promise to deliver?

For 2-4 units most owners don't keep track of all their expenses so that will be a hard one.