If it is just getting them notarized, all you need is a notary, and a title company can do that for you.

A notarized bill of sale works in some States. 

I have photocopies of the notes with both parties signatures which are notarized.

Signature/notarization was 12 years old... only a new legal description attached and of course a payoff 4 times the face value of the mortgage.

Definitely get the contract notarized and recorded at a Title Co to cloud the Title. 

Any other thoughts on this property as a deal or not are welcomed as well as I'm still determining what to look for myself.

In this case only offer to pay them for their time to sign some paperwork.I create my own Quit Claim deed and have them meet me at a bank where I can get my deed notarized.

I do all of that and more expect for some of the bids a those don’t take long to get and I pretty much know what they are anyways since I do a lot of these.The risk with this is if somehow seller can’t deliver clear Title, then you are out these expenditures but that is rare.Not sure about your area, but here in Los Angeles, I can have all the plans completed and submit to B&S (building and safety) before being on Title but to actually get the project to RTI, I do need to show I am on Title or get notarized approval from seller to submit to City.I typically make my offers with closing dates of 10 Days but I love it when sellers need 30 or 60 Days to close as that saves me holding costs while I do all the plans and City submittal/clearances.

Meeting, weather "mandatory" or not are for YOUR benefit as well as the brokerage. 

Like any other legal document that may already require a notarized signature, you can have the rental agreement notarized - the notary checks your identification, records it, and gets your thumbprint.Most UPS Stores and some banks/credit unions have notaries available during business hours - don’t bring your notary “friend,” as the tenant may not trust them either.