J/K, glad you decided to engage the community, keep it up and welcome to BP Nation.

I'm just now getting to engaging the community (primarily because it was recommended on the podcasts).The podcasts are so great b/c I can listen to them while I drive through traffic to the my desk job everyday.

Has anyone ever taken these classes and gotten the designation?

LOLRE usually falls under the department of finance in business colleges.To get started in a formal education without heading toward a degree program that fits well with real estate, I suggest these areas of undergrad study.Economics 101 and 102Accounting 101 and 102, if you can take managerial accountingPersonal Finance, Money & BankingBusiness Finance 101 and 102 or similar levelsPrinciples of Real EstateBusiness Law and Legal ConceptsThese 10 classes or 30 hours would be a good foundation for RE.There are other courses that can be more specific, like construction management, municiple zoning and design as well as others.Depending on the benefits you might be looking at, you may look into an Associates Degree program at a local university in real estate or finance.IMO, good luck.... :)

I don't think it is a question or comparison, in dealing with So Cal homes, you need to go custom, it allows you the ability to design the kitchen to your specs, get custom stain, and the resale value of a custom kitchen over stock cabinets is so much better.

I want to keep some of the original characteristic of this house but at the same thing bring in some newer design into the property. 

Your story was so engaging and you had my eyes glued to the screen as I was reading it.

Seller took care of a list of inspection items for me and I've engaged a property management group to start marketing the house for rent.

The room was still packed, even with 17 no shows.To your real question, may I suggest that those engaged in legitimate seller financing consider how complying with all the new rules are negatively impacting their businesses.

Again, if it were me, I would find a local realtor preferably with a GRE designation behind his name and offer him/her the sale listings in exchange for what ever assistance they can give you.