We also require them to give us a copy of all lisc and insurance information.We also realize that we live and die by having good vendors, we hold vendor appreciation parties when they all come to our office and we provide food and drinks and thank them for the hard and great work they have done. 

(We have a specific person dedicated to ordering the appraisals in our office to speed up the process) and the payment request is sent to you.

But the city zoning office is a good place to start.

@Rick Chowtax properties can be a great interest income or turn into deeds, talk to tax offices and do your research...

If it's too confusing to try and work with the county's office right now you could always just ask another local REI.  

I wanted to purchase a small commercial office building and was rejected and loan officer suggested they were concerned about what to do about current properties because of my age.

Office hours are until 6PM Pacific Standard Time.

I would highly recommend becoming familiar with zillow, and your local county records office for tax purposes alone...

Title companies are suppose to do as you direct them to do.You need to know what to tell your title company to doMake sure you have a legally acceptable assignment agreementYour title officer needs to understand who pays settlement cost and where on the HUD-1 to put your assignment fee.You need to have your contract so construction to be easily understood and with the right clauses and disclosures.Assignments are a great way to make unusual amount of income.Good luck.

The best way to size up a company is to visit the office and meet the staff.