Maybe a local lender or private lender.

Our agent can't find any record of a mortgage, so it must be private money and we don't know how  much they owe.We don't much care for debt but my wife and I have enough cash to put together a credible offer.

.,  then you're best off with private/hard money.

Two different private investors may come up with two very different bids based upon their own risk tolerance and return target.  

But ever since I have been paying my other credit cards on time and received a pretty good raise at work but I still have the default on my record (private loan).

‘5907 Allison Rd’ unit is one of the small patch of 6 or so the same type of duplexes in that area and it’s right in front of a private horse ranch.

The catch is that you have to occupy, so that limits the way you can invest.If you find a FSBO, they can do whatever you decide to agree on.If you find a long-term private lender, you can do whatever you agree on.If you do flip style, you can buy with hard money for a % of ARV, which may cover up to 100% of the purchase and remodel.

For flippers, work on building up contacts with contractors and look into connections with banks/hard/private money lenders, escrow agents, etc.Finally, make sure you connect with @Tiffany Plovie, @Kevin Carbon, and @Troy Fisher for invitations to the local informal BP Meet-ups.

I'm liking the sound of private/hard money as this would allow me much more flexibility.

I set up a check book account and use it for private lending.