I have never been there personally but I have heard it's good food.

If you are nearby, if you have ever been a pizza delivery person, maybe deliver a pizza to the wrong house that may or may not be the one being foreclosed on so atleast you can see inside a small portion. we used to just go knock on the door some folks would actually let you look around.

Personally, and what I would do for my clients, I would connect with a local community banker to discuss the property and see if their bank would entertain this type of financing (not all banks like doing this type of deal).

I would say the same for employees who need say a second advance on their wages (we allow one).I am willing to make a personal loan if an employee really needs it and you could consider doing it that way with a tenant in need.

I have also utilized owner financing for longer periods of time, including personal residence and 2 barrier island houses on the coast of Florida.  

Hiring a lawyer sounds expensive, but it is way cheaper than hiring a amateur (in this case yourself) who costs you money and provides no results (and then you need to hire a professional anyway).My personal philosophy is to "do it right, or do it twice" and its way cheaper to do it right once. 

Does anyone know an investor friendly tax/attorney person that I can talk to and can guide me through this process? 

Usually my time spent with newbies last a minimum of 1-2 hours on our first meeting (either in person or on the phone).  

If you use the Heloc option and decide to rent it out, don't forget that property (or you) will have to cover both your primary and secondary position notes.I don't personally see Marin being a great mid term market.

We have been able to get some great deals simply by doing extra research that the average person wasn't willing to do.