I would never accept a tenant on the promise that they will "quit" smoking without considerable skin in the game.

You might bump into some money guys there, know they aren't "private lenders" they are hard money lenders fishing in the waters.You'll also find leaches there, (not a derogatory term) it's very acceptable practice in RE for an experienced person to team up with inexperienced players to get a deal done, these experienced types just leach onto newbies and work deals, there are some who do nothing but leach deals providing themselves with more opportunities with less effort.

I only accept direct deposit, pay online or pay through pay pal.

I am wondering how they stay in business.In the end:  SmartMoves recommended that I 'ACCEPT'.  

But in a situation where an offer has been accepted on a property is it necessary to interview the property inspector and mortgage broker in person?

Either they will accept your offer, which means you get a good deal, or you will find out why it has been onbthe market so long.

We stayed firm at $20k and bank accepted.

The LLC Operating Agreement needs to be drafted in such a manner as to convey certain IRS compliance language that will allow the IRA custodian to accept the LLC as an investment of your IRA.  

From my understanding, this is an acceptable manner for both the IRS and the US Tax Court in terms of substantiation.

Update 10/23/2015The occupant decided to accept the relocation assistance offer and they are moving out in November.In the meantime, the court case went ahead for the eviction of the former owner.