Again, the tips you provided for evaluating agents was concrete, actionable advice.

They just take more time, energy, and willingness to take risk through quick action. 

All I see is that you took action @Michael ElefanteCongratulations!

Seller finance deals work when one of the following situations is present1- property can’t be financed with institutional financing usually because property is vacant (commercial property) or in bad condition2- seller will only accept an above market price for the property and by offering seller financing opens the universe of potential buyers to include people who wouldn’t qualify for financing3- seller is able to obtain a “piece of the action” from a buyer rehabbing the property and hence ultimately obtain a higher price.4- the seller has an existing low interest rate mortgage and wants to “wrap” the existing mortgage into a seller financed higher rate mortgage and pocket the differential 5- property is an investment property, seller has a low basis in the property because of depreciation, and wants to spread out the taxes due.Are you thinking of trying to purchase with 100% seller financing, or are you able to /willing to offer a down payment of say 10-20% .  

Often they leave before the nice Sheriff forces them, because they know you'll be filming the fun action.

The only circumstances that my spouse can use my VA loan benefits is if I was disabled for a specific amount of time, killed in action or a POW. 

Do what many others from there have done, Ohio market, STOP WATCHING videos, total waste of time. 100s enough, take action :) 

If well coordinated, at a minimum that provides 30-90 days without being responsible for the mortgage payment.Investors exploring this strategy will want to emphasize efficiency and be sensitive to PPP (Pre Payment Penalties.)

I've been listening for about a year, and I feel much more ready to take action than before.My mom has about 500k cash.

If I go with this builder, what necessary actions should I take to ensure our contract is binding in case he defaults?