There is a reason the seller is selling a property that is producing positive cash flow.  

I have pretty strong credit, a decent amount of capital, and healthy income; are there other financing opportunities I’m overlooking?

It shouldn't be your job to manage that process, especially if the seller can't produce lease agreements. 

Then again, the negotiator may not produce it without a fee agreement.  

You can negotiate that payoff.Next, audit the file, if you have records of payments made then produce them and come to a correct payoff.

Produce yourself a fancy dancy assignment agreement and you're all set!

It seems to be a desirable path, especially with long-term loan rates being 3-4%, and with the inflation of the dollar it seems like a good idea to take on fixed, manageable debt..Anyway, I have about $15k in cash saved and would like to travel and look up different cities that seem to have a healthy pulse to them, currently looking at Indianapolis as an example.

My ultimate goal is to own multi unit properties as a way to produce income.

Your buying an income producing asset, so count on the income.

Eric,I am new to bigger pockets, I hope that the love can shift down to South Florida because it is a healthy market.