So, how you enter the business makes a difference in the type of due diligence the note buyer needs to do.Notes are unique and unlike other investments like a bond that is rated and is in an established market providing liquidity at a near par value or an easier valuation method.

is it smart to buy a buyers list for your homes or is it better to seek other methods to get buyers.

My idea is to follow the 'we need room to perform service/work' method.

The most likely source would be a private investor who would invest in new debt through a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) or other tax advantaged method.

If you are comfortable with this method and bottom line then you really have answered your own question.I personally don't agree with your strategy to live in the property for 3-4 months to "take advantage of the FHA down payment guidlines".

I don’t need an original idea; I need a better method of executing an existing idea.

You can locate property ownership information, and contact the owner by by mail or phone (my preferred method of first contact).

(Joshua Dorkin you won't let us forget haha) With that said, I don't claim to know all real estate investing methods, but I'm confident Biggerpockets and with the help of y'all, I (we) can grow and learn.

I agree with you on the buy and holds, that's my method of investing too.

Im thinking of using this method to get cash to acquire another property.