I'm also wondering what you all think the best method of paying for renovations is.

What are some good areas in Minnesota to use the BRRRR method?

Personally the BRRRR method has worked well for me, it gives the option of getting your invested cash back, and you get the benefit of owning real estate which will pay you back in the end! 

I feel like a cashier's check or a money order would be a highly safer and more documented method of paying for a deal.

Here's a good resource: https://www.millionacres.com/r...

The BRRRR is just a method to acquire properties with less money for us as real estate investors.I hope all of that makes sense but feel free to ask anything additional if you need.

I'm a lawyer who's moved into r/e full-time.

These reasons make me think that you need to be at the forefront of someone's mind by doing direct mailing, contacting agents, lenders contractors, (whomever) frequently and reminding people of your specific buying criteria and other such strategies as a method for landing deals with less competition.

So this method absolutely works well when done with intention.  

Specifically, using the BRRRR method.