Yes, the vinyl plank (TrafficMaster grip strip planks) over carpet does sink a bit (like carpet, but it bounces up), so it's unexpected, but not unpleasant. 

In the $700k-$900k range, and those were the most unpleasant experiences I had, by far. 

Does anyone have any tips about where to go to learn everything I need to know so I can be best prepared and avoid any unwanted $1000+ surprises?

Smoking not only leaves an unpleasant odor, but it can also pose significant risks.

@Jonathan Holmes, @Joe Davalos and @Michael Ablan There are a number of sites where you can direct people to get off mailing lists.The FTC has an informational site about all sorts of unwanted contact: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-emailBut the place to go for opting out of mail is The Direct Marketing Association: http://www.directmail.com/mail_preference/Most professional and ethical list compilers will run their lists the the DMA suppression each month as part of the standard list hygiene.

One of the concepts that is brought up often is “what happens when there are no more unwanted animals?”

Texas is full of fantastic "unwanted" rural land deals.

In addition, what if I attract unwanted attention to the other parts of the property that I strongly suspect aren’t permitted?  

I try to contact them when they are about 30 days away from the sale.I then send them a postcard that says We Buy Unwanted Land with my information on it.

Now back to your original question about where to find money: In almost every area of the country you can find local sellers around you that are scared and worried about their unwanted MH that is not selling like they thought it would.