I really think that it's unusual for the first deal to be the winner so chances are you are just at the start of your search.

We're in a very unusual situation, though.

I downloaded a lease agreement (WA residential leases) to use and found an unusual section - has anyone else included this clause here around the new rent rate after the first term expires?"

Because I am from South Africa and still new to the property market, I am uncertain if there are easier and cheaper ways to go about finding owner information on specific properties. 

Are you saying it is unusual for a turnkey provider who owns and operates the property management company to take care of the utilities for the investor while it is vacant?

Cash is king right now and all-cash purchases for REOs aren't unusual.

He is an attorney, which is a huge help when there is any unusual issue, which slows down a lot of other non-attorney run title companies in my experience.    

I figure it's better to cast an uncertain net then not to cast one at all.

Anything unusual about the property that might make it harder?

OTOH, if your loan balance is more than the place is worth (not unusual these days) and you don't have cash to make up the difference, then the creative techniques might allow you to sell the place without coughing up any cash.