or have you found various creative solutions to secure favorable terms?

Now, the contractor is threatening to file a **lien** on the property, which could cause major delays and additional expenses.

Will be a better question for your CPA in my opinion, they'll have better visibility into what strategy will work best before filing season and EOY. 

Be prepared to start a lawsuit.2) File a complaint with state's Board of Realtors3) File a complaint with state's Attorney General's officeSince these are unlikely to be permanent solutions, you'll also want to start searching for another PMC.Recommend you speak with @Russell Brazil

Add outdoor security cameras (just let guests know they’re there) and maybe some motion-sensor lights for extra safety.

If you have time to secure this loan through a bank, I would strongly consider it. 

In a few of the states there is either a form. you must sign or an application that your escrow closer must file in order to exempt from any state taxes or withholdings that might normally be collected at sale . 

My figures are below.TaxDeed Winning Bid: $489.00 (My Bid May 2013)Property Clean-up: $450.00 (mowing, trash removal)Taxes & Insurance: $80.00 (2013 & 2014)Sale Advertising: $130.00 (Signage, Newspaper Ads, etc)Filings & Legal Fees: $245.00 (Deed, Lien Releases, Sales Agreement Docs)Total Costs: $1395 (approx)Sold for: $3250.00 (August 2014)That is better than the 25% I would have received if the property was redeemed during the redemption period.

Suburbs have filed zoning violations againsgt investors I know who have put their expanded bedroom suburbant houses onto the padsplit.com platform.   

It’s free and that is one way to get free listings.judical states also have to file a lawsuit and you can search civil suits or contact sheriffs offices to get the calendar and listing for foreclosurespaying for a site is all in one and maybe worth it compared to how much time you are spending searchjngif you stay in one area then I recommend what I mentioned