That was my whole reason for the post, trying to figure out how to use my sizeable retirement account to my benefit to grow my business of owning/managing rentals. 

Lots of lessons learned and greatly benefitting from this wonderful forum.

The operator may trade off the longer term benefits to keep a high quality tenant in place.

The mortgage would stay under the seller's name.The buyer could then rent out the unit, renovate, etc. to increase cash flow or make more money.But aside from a possible "due on clause" being called by the mortgage company, what's the benefit to the seller?

The owner doesn't really benefit much except for not having to pay a mortgage anymore?

Make sure your real estate agent isn't just about closing that one deal but understands the benefit of protecting you on each purchase to ensure that you keep buying because you are enjoying success.  2.

I think some min level of regulation benefits everyone, including wholesalers who currently operate in no man's land. 

.- Depends on what you're doing specifically, but usually I'd recommend getting an EIN at least to give access to business bank accounts- Repeating #1, if you're going to a property and 100% of your time is spent doing renovations and the like, sure, but if any of it is for personal benefit, that'd be disallowed.

We're right next to CA but get the benefits of no state income tax, 4th lowest property taxes, much more friendly landlord/tenant laws, no serious weather, proximity to Lake Tahoe, stable job growth/population growth, etc. 

What benefits does it have over other lead lists?