Marie Poe  yes FSBO s are required to use it... and the law only pertains to the ability of a buyer to back out last second and not loose EM.. but if you were in a subsequent lawsuit and had not provided one I think it would weaken your case at the civil level.Oregon is pretty picky on licensing. 

Like everyone else replying there are too many to mention: @Brandon Turner for his real estate recommended book list....which i searched and subsequently allowed me to find the Bigger Pockets community with its wealth of experience and info @Michael Blank For putting together a great step-by-step guide to syndicating your my first apartment acquisitions (which is coming together!)

I subsequently let the seller talk his way down on his price and we eventually settled on $600k total with him financing nearly 50% of the deal at 4%!  

It would make sense to use an Insurance Company that is Mutual, Participative and Non-Direct Recognition ( I would highly recommend one company) to maximize the performance of the cash value and subsequent use as collateral for any purpose, keep in mind, we are talking about Whole Life, Whole Life DOES NOT HAVE SURRENDER PERIOD, VUL or IUL does and that is another story.Also I personally don't believe in the "buy term and forget the rest" strategy, term can be very useful but not as a stand alone solution.   

This is saying an extra principal payment reduces the interest due in all subsequent months.

@Dylan Mathias  Having worked most of my RE career from Cupertino to Ukiah.. and starting in 74 as an agent.we have always had these ups and downs.and to compare to 07 that I don't see... simply because those that are buying rentals in the tougher areas are not getting 100% financing or in better areas 125% financing.. or lenders letting them have way more debt than they should.NOW that does not mean the corporate and money side of the economy cant crater.. but it don't think it will crater like 08 where real estate led the party..   

and subsequently after getting and or call this person on my cell, the clicking on my phone and home phone began. 

That coinciding with the mismanagement and closure of Konconcti Harbor Inn 10 years ago, much of the draw to the lake for tourists has slowed, and most businesses subsequently failed.

Implying is that your offer is identical to the other offers on the table just with a lower due diligence is extremely misleading to anyone subsequently reading this post. 

What additional criteria should I be looking for when I'm putting together subsequent lists?