The best answers for you will depend on your personal financial situation: how much you are looking to put in, how much risk you are willing to take with the money, etc..

The ways that are alternatives to MLS can offer better returns but also a bit higher risk. 

You really need to be well prepared, because they are risking lots of money.In regards to your investment opportunity, It looks like there is just not enough information coming from the seller.

This is one of those items that you know you might deal with as a landlord, it's one of the risks.

Agents can make up to 90% and more but, full disclosure, the starting split is relatively low since I’m taking a risk by fronting all the costs.

It must be your primary residence but their is no rule saying you can not sleep over at your significant other place occasionally.Every aspect of investing has a measurement of risk ;)

That's one big reason that the landfills are choked with siding, windows and fencing that risk contaminating ground water.

The bank required I have both homeowner's insurance as well as Builders Risk Insurance. 

Just wary of how frothy things are now...Everyone is a little nervous but (barring nuclear war, which seems like a decreasing risk) I see no reason for the local music to stop.Is it a silly time to buy? 

14% cap rate = extremely high risk property