In these circumstances, I have validated that they are regularly paying all their other bills and trying to pay off their medical bills when they can and there are no other glaring concerns.

I have the goal of financial independence, and I'm considering methods of getting there.

What is your preferred method for taking control of a property with a first position lien?...

You're mixing different methods of valuation.

Is it a good Idea to advise the seller I am a wholesaler, my concern is that I don't want to take the chance on loosing the chance to obtain a sellers contract.

It just goes to show that when push comes to shove, any company is more concerned about profitability (as it should be, for it's investors) than about the status of any city it might "temporarily" be in. 

Can it be done without their service, is it an efficient and effective method to collect data "real time" in one place with enough value to warrant the monthly fee?

Consider an excessive use clause for utilities.Talk to your neighbors and let them know to notify you with concerns.

Bigger Pockets is a great start toward getting deals done correctly and reaching out to seasoned real estate investors, especially if you would like to start out using the BRRR method as you have specified in your post, Nick.

Again, happy to schedule a call to discuss our capabilities with you thoroughly so you may understand what we do and why we are so successful.Our utmost concern is always addressing any misleading information that is being perpetuated online mitigated through verifiable data and facts.