If we're hit with a large correction in the stock market (witness today's 300 point drop), home buyers will probably take a blow to their consumer confidence.

I got lucky but I guess when you stay w/ it and keep sending out those letters or do other types of marketing, then it's not all luck :) It will eventually happen and this is proof!

(Fast forward, an expert witness has declared your unit substandard and you have to return 100% of the rent, because there actually was a problem with the heater and it wasn't for whatever reason providing sufficient heat.)The gap under an EXTERIOR door would be a problem in CA, especially if there was water intrusion (probably not on it's own, but combined w/ other problems, it would be a point against you). 

Others need disinterested witnesses present to verify it, and, either way, if there's other family that contests it, it can get ugly.

While they may be evidence of a lien release, its possible they may dispute them later, also most county offices require a document to be notarized to be filed in their land records, and finally if you go to court a notarized document is self authenticating, meaning you do not need foundation witnesses to establish its authenticity.

I got my own due dealing with too many unsavory, or half witted agents.

I don't see why though if you are able to get pictures (assuming I'm even allowed to take pictures) and you have another witness willing to testify.

Yea there many differences as you are witnessing.

(If brevity really is the soul of wit, I am in trouble.)

Even a markup of 1% by the contract vendee could mean a loss of $150,000 to the contract vendor.Please note that despite my points above wholesaling in NYC is DEFINITELY possible and I have witnessed many people do it.