However, I would recommend to use the rule of thumb formula # of lots x lot rent $ x 12 x 10 cap x (.6 if private utilities or .7 if public utilities .5 if park has less than 30 lots).  

@Ned Carey Since investors rely on the public records search for the Note to find out what is owed on the property through the amortization schedule calculator, it would seem that this is a educated guess so how close is the mortgage debt to the calculation?  

It's all public record.

Is it on public sewer and water?  

Would it be considered "Soliciting securities" if I publicly advertise that I'm looking for someone to hold a mortgage on a house for me?

In addition, I'm a notary public in California and I have an ABA approved certificate in paralegal studies as well.  

For publicly available deals, there are a bunch of good websites that take MLS listings all over the country and which you don't need your realtor's help to access.

I try and read at least 1 business book and 1 Real Estate book a month.Philadelphia also has some very useful online tools to access public records.Flipping can be a tricky thing to get your feet wet with, but if you do a live-in flip you minimize risk by having the property provide you with a residence. 

You can also google them and the meet-up info is available publicly. 

In reality, what the GC was allowed to do was bypass all the steps and take the lien claim form to the county and file it with the clerk of courts and it is now part of the public record and clouding the title and possibly preventing me from selling the home without paying him an amount that is over what is actually owed.