They are also able to verify that the seller actually has the capacity to sell the property to you.3.How do I solve the dead ends at the Tax Assessor's Office that I've run into trying to locate absentee owners?

As long as the Tenant is on a month to month, and proper notice is given, a rental rate increase would be an acceptable ask.Just verify that the appropriate notice period still falls within your escrow. 

The do verify your income and credit, so keep that in mind

Obviously I've incorporated the remaining balance (which I still need to verify) in the asking price along with my spread.

And the Deed of Trust ties it to the property.On day of closing, the PML wires funds to the closing attorney (verifying the wire details by phone) and the attorney records the documents with the City electronically, completes the closing and sends the original docs to the PML.

yes @John Lee that sounds right but verify with your local accountant 

Its unreal how legitimate it all looks so verify wire instructions with your title company via phone (and make sure its the title company on the phone !) 

Get a local attorney involved on your behalf.When anyone is doing substantial work remotely, you ABSOLUTELY have to get a 3rd party to oversee or verify the work.

How would one verify if a public sewer is available for a town?

I'm doubling up in April to see if I can't find a pattern here and verify the numbers.