low income rentals we do money order or certified checks only.Higher priced units or tenants with a proven track record we will take checks from.

I don't want to side track this conversation, so please go to this link for posting on THE MOST EXPENSIVE properties in your area..$68MM!!!

Nothing like setting your goals then beating them by $50/month It doesn't seem like a lot but I mean its just icing on the cake and lets you build up to purchase your next one just that much faster.

Id like to get a fair portion of equity for my cash investment, only willing to invest with a person whom has a good track record and is putting cash in the deal...

Not sure what this is worth to you but you could hire a local "Door Knocker" to track her down and offer her cash for signing over a Quit Claim Deed.

I know one guy bought a yellow pad and hand wrote thousands of yellow letters then personally hand delivered them to a neighborhood.You can also call FSBO's or drive the neighborhood looking for abandoned houses and tracking down the owners.One on one networking might get you in touch with people who would be willing to buy properties (local flippers or investors).

I have seen a statistic somewhere that SFRs generally only rise in price to track average inflation, they don't rise to much from intrinsic value appreciation.  

Sounds like your on a good track.

@Billy Bob I think the biggest thing to minimize your concerns is to track each of the payments you made either with cancelled checks or copies of your checks from your online banking site.

@Jeffrey Lester Just as you could 'paper trade' a stock portfolio to learn about price changes and track news, you could 'paper trade' a house flip this summer.Even if you don't have the money, try to get yourself to an open house for a good fixer candidate.