What is required is that there be a piece of paper - list provided by the QI, email to the Qi, contract (executed or not), cocktail napkin dated and signed, etc that identify the specific properties you are identifying as potentials.  

Take the ownership papers for the house to court with you to show she is not on the ownership.

The yellow paper is the most common.

@Brandon Schlichter I would want to do it over several years also because if you take it all in one year, depending on your income level, you might not look good on paper for more loans if that's your intention.

But I wouldnt be comfortable putting $2+ mil in a shady C type neighborhood where you get the 10+ percent yeilds (at least on paper).

or not list it on the MLS but market it to whoever you want (Have the owner sign a paper saying don't put in MLS and you are within your ethics for board) Then email, TV, Website, flyer till your heart is content?

Local county paper (and online sources) will list upcoming properties about 4 weeks in advance.

I also really like the idea of asking them to hold paper.  

We never do any financial transaction without a paper trail to back it up.Our accounting and financial management is done with the current, installed software version of Quick Books Pro.  

Meaning, if you don't know anyone in Indiana....but you do know a real estate person in New Mexico....then you need to go with New Mexico - even if Indiana shows you more returns on paper.