Some trusts can also protect assets in the event of a bankruptcy or lawsuit.

If an injury occurs in the course of their job then it will stop there.

I got a major equity stake and was president.. ran that for 6 years.. 50 million HML in Bay area.disaster struck in 1989 to 1990  and I sold out in 1992  remember earth quake and war.Bay area took a huge hit then.I then through a sheer luck.. met my future bizz partner around the pool in Maui.. and I got in the timber business in Oregon I lived in Napa valley and commuted form 92 to 2001.. that was a GREAT run and one of the best business I have ever done.went into buying foreclosure in Oregon in 2001 it got uber competitive when trustee info become available on the net.. moved those funds back to HML  ( in those day I just wrote a letter ot the state and got a Mortgage bankers license no test required)  ran that company up to 35 to 40 million then got my postier handed to me in 2008 to 2010 and then put together a company to buy distressed assets.. ran that up to 350 homes form 2010 to 2013 got bought out and had a nice liquidity event.. now I just build houses in Oregon and Charleston and do JV deals with folks in 12 states.

At least yearly property visits aren't occurring (remember this can be a write-off so use it as a mini-vacation), and 3.)

Yes, most lenders can get a loan done in 30 days, but the problem is the title work, etc. that generally occurs After loan approval.  

The one thing I can't find an answer to, in the event they agree to sell, is what is the best way to get the contract to them and get them to sign it and have a notary also sign it.

This has worked successfully for me in the past whenever I had the unfortunate event of encountering the underbelly of society.  

Lots of great connections all over but we also have a very strong and active contingent here in MA on here so make sure to find them (Set up some keyword alerts to find out about local topics) and get connected.Besides doing that on here make sure to get out to some of the many local investor events we have.  

And in any event, I would get the past 3 years financial statements before I even consider buying anything.

You can call 1-800-7-Fannie to report fraudulent activity, which I suspect is occurring in this case - again, specific to Fannie Mae's rules.