Depending on the purpose of the loan, you may be subject to a deficiency (MAY...there are anti deficiency states and regulations to consider).

@Brandon TurnerI know you are nationally focussed, but here to your north, in most (though off the top of my heard, I cannot swear all ... some may use notaries as well) provinces and territories a lawyer performs both tasks (title search and close).

This all comes down to momentum and performing some or all of the above tasks in a consistent manner or a long period of time (greater than 6 months).  

Detroit could be a difficult task for an investor that isn't local.

Although it was a stressful and time consuming task I am glad I went through the experience as it has helped me learn a lot about myself and rehabbing.

She will trust what she writes more than what you put down on paper.Once you have arrived do at the framework of a deal, list out a simple list of terms in about 6-8 line items then a list of documents that will be required and tasks or conditions that are to be met be each party. 

The world kept spinning, I didn't lose my shirt, and I drove on home with the strange, anti-climactic feeling of 'did that really just happen?'

Of course if you have a high mortgage to pay until it is done, it will still be a factorSome people just take longer to do the same task.  

Apparently is you do more than $500 worth of improvements you need a licence.There is another post on this subject.Washington state anti-flipping law (SHB 1843)

How you accomplish this task is up to you.