Mike Nordwall at Riverland Title handled it (assignment of contract) It went pretty smooth, I'd recommend them. 

Does anyone have any good suggestions on how to make this deal run smoothly?

I like a smooth wall finish so I take it off.

I asked for specifications book but the developer said they will leave it up to us as long as it complies with the plans, they have some specifics there but not too specific (ie they said dunn edwards paint but not to what color, not even if it is smooth finish or orange peel, that doesnt bother me much).

Did it go smoothly or you are like me, dig myself a grave then eventually fight my way out of it.

I like the idea of handing over the reigns as long as the rehab is smooth.  

All the preparation in the world could not have made my first deal smooth sailing.

@Matt Fish, I have been involved in a deal that ended up with B2R financing, and the process was pretty smooth, if you ignore some hiccups.

I'm sure this can be smoothed out by suspending the original weekly payments until the change order is complete, paying the change order labor and then resuming the original weekly payments.  

I can't be there every day to make sure the rehab is going smoothly and staying on schedule.