Though it may seem premature- file for an LLC and get started on a website, even if it is just a placeholder for now.

We did have a contract, but all the tenant files were at the office 2 hours away, so if something went south he could get to them before me and then I would almost be in the exact same situation.

But I understand problems happen and etc, so yes we will get a contract when we file for LLC for our future 8 unit in 2016.  

After many years into the real estate game, cash or credit may not seem the obstacle they once were, so I have to "reach back in the files" to pull out an old memory (to quote Alan Jackson "Drive")......I recall being very thrifty and a saver in my 20's (I had an insane dollar a day budget thing I did in the early 90's on canned beans, loaf a bread and raw carrots, which I would not recommend, unless you live in a mobile home on a construction site like I did at the time)...

Seller finance after the Trust is filed, the bank may want a copy of the Trust, there will be no due on sale issue. 

We also do a little bit of back end work such as data entry, converting JPEG files to word, etc etc.I was on a call with a BiggerPockets member this morning and he mentioned he hired a VA who is pulling list for him from county records that he is planning to mail on.

That wouldn't be the end of the world, although tax filing is a bit more complicated.  

I have the DD file on the current vendee which is in good standings.

Do you research the special proceedings file yourself or hire a paralegal?

Yes, we could just use the trustee for providing the Trustee's Deed, but we learned over a decade ago that there is value in getting a paralegal to do pre-bid lien and title opinion and other verification of documents in the special proceedings file.