Harvey) passed away back in the 70's(Mr Hempstead) the Executor, file the paperwork with the State of Texas requesting the death certificate, but the state refused since he is not a relative. 

https://www.texasrealestate.com/uploads/files/general-files/TexasBuyersSellers2015.pdf

https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/284821.pdfJust happened to come across this record while doing some research.

The phone should also have call waiting and either an answering machine or voice mail system.

Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul 

My biggest fear is being able to get financing, as I had to file bankruptcy a few years ago due to a failed business (which in itself makes me gun-shy, too...).

When you file your taxes you may have to pay school taxes. 

Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul 

I would structure the agreeing so that the interest rate would go to 1.5x the original after 12 months and 2x the original after 24 months, with an option to file a judgement lein in the collateral after 18 months.Is there a way you recommend I find a local attorney (besides Google)?

If you deny an applicant or take any adverse action (i.e. charge higher security deposit, require co-signer, etc) based on information in their consumer credit file, then you should be sending them an adverse action letter which basically tells them what consumer reporting agency supplied the info you relied on, the contact info for that agency, and how they can get a free copy of their own credit report.