This is a very small deal (especially for California standards), but hopefully more down the pipeline. 

Now I wonder if they have a standard/set escrow period or if we can expedite it.  

In Cali we have standard CAR forms (Califonia Association of Realtors).

It is fairly standard language that the agent will be due the commission for a sale to someone they introduced to the property.  

I prefer using the standard CamScanner because then I'll have an actual image of the card instead of just the raw info, but I guess you could use both.

Standard in this area is 1 to 2 percent.

I still stick to my standards with my investments and rehabbing.

However, you may set a standard for your business, that you will not go after deals where you will not net a certain assignment fee. 

I'm seeking a consistent cash flow for a five year period; a goal of $2k per month the first year, expecting to be at $10k by year 5, therefore, it is my understanding to seek properties that are positioned for rapid appreciation to best meet my goals.Yes, I would prefer to leverage our investment dollars by obtaining a loan.  65% - 75% LTV seems to be the standard with conventional lenders. 

Yes, actually many standard banks and financial institutional will not lend on a property that is not seasoned.