I always like to physically see where my money is tied up at and who is involved with my projects, but that's my personal preference. 

I think your best bet is reaching out to a property manager.

I think your best bet for seller finance is fisbo's or distressed sales.

Your best bet is to find out the auction date and go.   

Usually improvements that are non-physical can be made without jeopardizing the 1031.  

I don't see any of it as obvious as contributing your labor by physically installing a roof on a flip or painting the house.Certainly, there are gray areas.

Agree with your gut feeling:  It seems too good to be true.Yellow flags:- it's a [former] foreclosure; legal status and building physical status are in question.- repair estimate $15K, yet comments "needing only maintenance and cosmetic work"Due diligence - a home inspector or experienced contractor taking a look - should answer remaining questions.

They don't just jump up and grab you, but it's a fair bet that active investors in your area know people with retirement accounts who are looking for safer investments and less volatility than the stock market.Network with other investors.

If they only post the registered agents info your best bet would be a skip tracer.

The property has to be your primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years to get a section 121 exclusion on capital gains of $250K/$500K (single/married) But I bet he doesn't want to live there for the next 2 years.