So I'm in the market for a new broker/agent and a new insurance company for at least one building and possibly more. 

At least part of the $2,000 or so I’d be spending would go towards myself.

So would it make sense to focus on bigger markets to start? 

I could be wrong but I don't think so.

If you are originating the CFPB rules are the same for a land contract or mortgage, so I don't see any benefit to creating a land contract.

So, the question becomes when things get hairy is can you FORCE them to pay.

I am trying my best to be methodical about where to invest out-of-state, so I made the following criteria:Population: >800k people in 2023 (based on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_statistical_area)Population growth2020-2023 Population growth >5% (based on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_statistical_area)... 

hope to hear more from you, and oh welcome!

Out of the few house purchases I’ve been through, this is the first time I’ve had the seller have difficulties with their side, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

There are lenders who will let you pull out 75%-80% or so, possibly based on rents vs your own income if you don’t qualify that way, but their rates and fees will typically be higher than conventional loan products, and you may need rental history to go that route.