My first go at it was a success in that it got the phone ringing, but my response rate the second time around has been much higher since I've focused my reach to a very specific group of people. 

The info on BP covers a lot of general and specific topics and is very helpful.

The fact that you asked the question about being locked out of ones account is disturbing since if would seem you would not ask such a specific question without some source telling you this happened?  

There are specific way to structure it and minimize risk, that's why I'd like to find a local attorney who does these deals on a regular basis.  

You should also check out some local real estate investor groups such as Black Diamond REI in MA and the RI Real Estate Investor Group in RI.If you have some specific questions feel free to post them, you'll probably get several answers in short order :)

Is there a specific type of payment method to be used?

They don't need to be state specific so they work anywhere.

There are decent vehicles in almost every driveway.

I know this will be very market specific but I have a house in a Cleveland suburb listed at 55K.

More specific.......