I did not work with the seller directly when I started as an investor.

One of the key benefits of long distance investing is the ability to access markets with higher potential returns (particularly in the Midwest).

I hope it will be a long time from now, but I and 2 other siblings are the beneficiaries of a SDIRA (non-Roth) that primarily owns a 300+ acre timberland tract in Virginia with some cash reserves in the account.

Not all background checks are the same!

Welcome to the Bigger Pockets community!

The question(s) being, who sets up the contract?

In the end you always end up paying somewhere between 8-12% on your money. 

The houses in this area has appreciated pretty well over the past couple years.

Welcome to the community Micah!

I think that recovering lost pet rent is water under the bridge.