You also don't have to be licensed to sell notes in most states, FYI.If you disagree I would love to hear specifics, as to what you think makes a note liquid, as all you have stated is liquidity is the ability to buy and sell at will.

This is in regards to a specific deal, so for the sake of context: The property is Vacant Land, originally had a house that the city demolished due to abandonment by owner. 

If you have a specific property in mind you can get a free preliminary title from the title agency that you intend to purchase your title insurance policy from.  

As you get into more real estate investing you will learn what specific costs are in your market.  

Do you have a specific property or few properties that you are looking at?  

You are never going to have all the answer, every deal is different, what works for one investor in one specific deal might not work for you. 

Do you prefer a 401k vs a IRA for any specific reason?

Specifically, Shoreline/Edmonds/Mill Creek has caught my eye as I feel Seattle proper is far too expensive and overpriced.  

Specifically, Sacramento.

The first piece of advice that I would offer up is to really get an understanding of what your exact goals are, and then be specific about defining your investing strategy.