Once a private company (or offering) has over a certain amount of owners, partners, etc., they must file a registration statement with the SEC. 

Signed the papers, mailed in my money, and I was now the proud owner-to-be. . .but there were unexpected obstacles.The foreclosed owner remained in the property.

Find the web site, search the property  

Some sites have data on specific locations because they are STR hot spots.

Define, "investor-friendly" agent please.In our experience we've found that +95% of agents only have experience dealing with owner-occupied transactions - which are mostly EMOTIONAL decision based.You can ID these types of agents easily by asking them:1) If they are RE investors themselves.

Traci Hacker owner of At Home Real Estate

What are some red flags or does and don'ts when looking for and purchasing owner financed properties?

The other strategy I've considered, but have no idea if it's feasible, is getting some sort of hard money loan for a live in flip just to get the place and then refinancing it with an owner occupant loan once it's fixed up and I move in.

Also, cross check the owner of record to make sure they are who they say they are (many people do give a friends number and say they're the landlord)  That's why it's so important to check

Some sites require asbestos testing and/or possible environmental testing as well where demolition occurs.