Would you pay anyone a deposit to execute a search for you in advance of finding a property?  

Then if you are financed properly and buying good deals you will be much lower out of pocket!

And if you don't mind, I want to ask a little bit more, how much do you think it is proper for the new investor to put on the first investment house ?

If you choose to use a company like Legal Zoom or go through the state, you may also consider having the real estate lawyer review it to ensure that it is structured properly so that you are protected in case of a suit.2.

The value of an option can be determined and in residential transactions most don't go through the brain damage of properly valuing an option, generally it is no more than 10% of the strike price or sale price. 

The ability to close a deal on the proper timeline is imperative for me.

A simple ditch dug around the property to drain the runoff properly cured the swamp problem.

A full package will consist of borrower's financials and proof of funds from the buyer with a fully executed purchase and sale agreement.

I will need to convince myself that I can manage the risk/reward properly vs. just vetting a turn key in a good market and letting it ride (if the returns are in the same ballpark, it wouldn't be worth it. 

FYI I'm really interested in proper maintenance features.