I do not have the full 80,000 to front right now but I don't want the opportunity to slip out of my hands!

The next paragraph gets into just a handful of other questions I see. 

Ownership of the property never changed hands. 

My practical side says if I were living there, I'd want a self locking knob if I'm outside without my keys at least the bottom knob would be locked or ff their hands are full and they park in the garage they would typically close the garage door and then exit through the service door.Any thoughts or should I just add a passage lever there too along with a deadbolt?

That would technically be wholesaling but ownership is changing hands so it is legal.

The market data seems very strong but it would be great to get some first hand accounts of how things have been the past year, trends, etc. 

@Philip MullinaxDepending on the Tenancy Law in your jurisdiction, a transfer of ownership in the middle of an eviction may provide the tenant an opportunity to stay the eviction and compel you to recommence action once you are the owner.  

It  will not accept money orders, with those, I deposit into my regular account and just transfer it over.  

Make sure and carry adequate insurance with high liability limits no matter what your situation.A final thought.....and I don't have first hand experience in getting sued but knowing others who have (in Florida), it is very unlikely that a judge will force you to liquidate a property, especially one encumbered by a mortgage, to settle a lawsuit. 

I know a handful of long distance investors who have purchased a few properties in several markets...I wonder their rationale on this.