I haven't been successful yet in finding a firm to work with for the next few years, but I am continuing my search in a few principle markets, especially NC's 'research triangle'.Thank you all for keeping this community going.  

If they agree to sell the property to you while you reserve the right to assign, lease, rent, repair, or sell the property; then there is no need to worry about who you are marketing it to.While I agree with you in principle that if a Realtor® makes it their practice to go on listing appointments, while not clearly disclosing their own agency position (as I mentioned previously in a separate disclosure) will undoubtedly face some serious problems in the future... it is a non issue when the practitioner addresses the agency issue in advance.This is clearly outlined in the National Association of Realtor Code of Ethics, and does not preclude your absolute right to purchase on your own.As to me teaching and training, you bet; as the Apostle Paul said...

I have just closed on my 4th property, a single family home in Houston TX and although I have already set my sights on two more for 2015, I can honestly say I am a bag of mixed emotions.I am so thrilled and proud of myself for pushing and pushing to achieve my goals.

Yes, in principle, its probably easier to case those if they fail to pay, but in reality, actually collecting is exceedingly difficult regardless of whether you have a SS in hand or not.

About 1/3 of your loan is principle.  

If you are paying cash, I would advise to not buy it sight unseen. 

I am a big believer in keeping your personal expenses low (Dave Ramsey principles) which has allowed me to save quiet a bit of cash every month...For my next investment I will continue to keep my personal expenses low and use my savings to buy my next rental.

Great info on this sight as well as very educated investors, who are always willing to answer any REI questions you may have.

The pros of a HELOC:Line of credit up to 90%(depending on what bank used) LTV10 year interest only 20 year payback periodIf you pay principle down you can draw on the line as much as you wantLow interest ratesTax benefitCan be refinanced no money out of pocketThe cons of a HELOCBanks may charge 1 time annual feecannot sell property for 2-3 years (depending on bank) otherwise its subject to feesPain to establish (mortgage brokers dont want to do this because they dont get paid much)Just as Joe mentioned, if you prepare all the documents in advanced, banks can give you their preapproval package within 2-3 business days.Please let me know if you need any advice on whom to consider, I have a HELOC myself and did HELOCs for clients oftenBest of luck!

I've bid on several of those before (sight unseen) because I understand that the seller is just trying to make sure they're only dealing with serious potential buyers and not wasting their time.