.- I would get a lender's title insurance policy to make sure you are indeed in first position and the person/entity you are lending to is the owner.- Borrower pays all closing costs, usually subtracted from loan proceeds upfront.- Make sure the interest plus points doesn't exceed usury in your state, I don't know what it is in Florida.

What I'm looking for primarily to build relationships with:WholesalersCommercial Insurance / Investment Property AgentsContractors among others. 

I only use listened and insured people for most of my work.

You'll also want to verify that it is 100% FDIC insured or you'll still be at risk with even the most aggressive bonding. 

I am insured with great local referencesHave done numerous flips and rehabs. 

Well, I fell in love with Tucson when I was 17, its been about 20 years and its still my mission in life to move there someday :) though with career and such I'll probably be staying put for the foreseeable future.

JOhn,  title companies are NOT in bed with any agent they are netural.. if they showed favoritism they could be in deep trouble from the insurance commission... you may want to check the contract most of them have a mediation clause for this very reason.if you don't come to a conclusion the title company will file an interpleader with the court and send the money there.. and you guys can duke it out there..

Not only will the bank give you a hard time about the knob and tube but you will also have a tough time with Insurance companies. a new 200 amp service will probably run you about $2- 2400, rewiring the house, sheetrock, spackle and paint will probably run you another $4-5000, depending on how much has to be opened up and fixed.

You'd be incredibly lucky to find a place that generates close to $6K/month in rent for that price -- I'd be happy with $4K/month on a $500K property and that would cash flow (after taxes, insurance, maintenance, water, etc) at best $2500/month.

I suppose there "could" be an investigation into the fire damage and any potential insurance claims.