The winner must pay by cash or certified check (which I assumed was a cashiers check) made out to yourself which you would endorse in front of the cashiers.

Note that you are in California, which is my market, so I am endorsing a competitor here.

Here's a list of REI clubs in Alabama I found (I can't personally endorse any as I haven't made time to attend YET):http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-clubs/alabama.htmlThere's at least one in Montgomery, might be worth the relatively small investment in time and money just to network.

My short story of my experience with two different agents.I was looking at my first home couple of months ago and called an agent highly endorsed here and other reviews.

A policy with a higher premium may be a better deal if it does not have a wind deductible.There are many endorsements that are available on the homeowners policy.

Review the endorsement with your agent and make sure it will cover the elevator,  Also, if this is in an association, review the bylaws and declarations of the association to see if they are responsible for it.For the Tenants, insist on renters Insurance. 

I appreciate the endorsement, @Brian Garlington!

Here are my 21 tips for starting out:#1 – Learn From Others#2 – Plan to Market#3 – Know Your Type (Performing, Non Performing, Re performing, Investor Notes, Seller Financed, etc)#4 – First Refer A Deal#5 – Discover The Why Behind the Note Sale#6 – Get To ‘Know’ The Payer#7 – Verify Everything#8 – Embrace The Boring (Due Diligence Counts)#9 – Plan for The Worse#10 – Partials Are Your Friend#11 – Master The Time Value of Money#12 – Encourage Early Payoffs#13 – Originals Count (Get that original note and endorsements/allonges)#14 – Stay In Control#15 – Seek Professional Help#16 – Use Solid Servicing Procedures#17 – Understand When Laws Apply#18 – Get Self-Directed#19 – Spread The Risk#20 – Know When To Fold#21 – Be Creative If you PM me here on Bigger Pockets I can send you details on the individual tips. 

I would seek word-of-mouth endorsements and Craig's List, Home Advisor (imo) doesn't cut the mustard.

I’m not trying to endorse either brand; both have standards and math says that 9 combinations x 5 or 6 cuts in a key vastly increases security over a 5x5(6 in some kwikset) matrix.