We'd likely lose our down payment of around $15K but break even in not owing any money.

You need to know how much money is in your wallet before you start shopping.After you have figured out your finances, you should decide what you want to shop for.

It's going to be incredibly hard to get hard money funding for your first deal to be purchased at the steps. 

We actually (legally) made more money on our property because of the fire!

You pay less commission to the agent but more money to the government. 

He was able to fight the mugger off and then had him arrested - which is how the scheme was revealed.Only logical reason to accept cash is if you're trying to hide income from the IRS.Otherwise, require your tenants to send you money orders or deposit cash rent into your bank account.

I have been looking up a lot of properties in Northern Salt Lake County and Southern Davis County for a good move in and rent out other property and also a trailer to pay cash for to save money for down payment on a second place and etc.

Call some local hard money lenders and ask who they use.

Searching on BiggerPockets Mortgage Lenders and Hard Money Lending Directory is a great place to start checking reviews. 

Add real value to your properties and save money in the process.