If not, are there any other recommended acquisition companies to pull deals from in the Houston area ?

This is personal opinion and common sense based statement, what I would do is, I would gather statements from everyone who has knowledge, as previously mentioned, notarized if possible, and if it is still cost effective.

Quickest way I found to get an opinion is to have them sign a release of information, have it notarized and go to the Division of Family Services and talk to them.

The easy way to clear (not "clean") is to track down last owner of the mortgage and obtain a signed, notarized Release and Satisfaction as well as a payoff demand showing zero balance due.3) Agsin, it depends.

Now I'm wondering if the DOT needs to be dated and notarized after the transfer deed is recorded as well.  

One key one I totally left out was how much rent increases would feed into that cash flow; the 25K should see an increase from that, but conservatively if you leave it at the 2% I used includes that, all good.I'm not sure about future performance predictability; in many areas of the country, folks who bought in say, 2005 or 2006 are still underwater on their homes 10 years later; whereas equity investors who bought at the peak of the market in say, 08 or what not, are ahead today, despite the crash that ensued (assuming they stayed fully invested that is). 

I've done deals directly with sellers where I gave them cash and got a signed and notarized deed.  

Yes, I send docusign contract first.Then send deed to be notarized, transfer docs required by local county, transfer tax and recording fees.  

A new contractor has just handed me some paperwork to sign; the Notice of Commencement, which to my understanding, is required that I sign, and a builders permit that he wants me to sign and have notarized prior to him doing his part.  

If not, are there enough interested BP members to start a REI club or network?