@roy find the smallest title company in the area, they should not only be investor friendly but freindly to all bipeds.

I go through a title company and their attorneys as well as use a RMLO. 

@Douglas Snook  how does title work in your state.. do you use title companies or is it attorney driven and you have to hire an abstractor to run title.. or can you simply call your title company like we do and in 2 minutes you have a TRIO showing last recorded deed and mortgage e mailed to you.We are seriously spoiled here on Left coast when it comes to instant and free information on properties. 

You also need to locate a good Title Company, to handle your closings.

Any specific banks or agents you'd recommend I engage a dialog with?

When I acquired the property ~5 years ago I had trouble finding a lender due to some title complications.  

He also mentioned that you could setup escrow with the title company to disperse the payments overtime as work is complete (probably a PIA though). 

In that low end price area many properties are as is so be careful of well, septic, foundation, title and roof issues as 20K rehab can turn into 50 in a heartbeat.  

Skip your emotional side.I am guessing he showed you his LES statements (Leave and Earning statements) showing how much he makes, how many days he as accrued for leave, etc.They should be titled something like.....Defense Finance (something, something) Leave and Earning Statement.....at the top with a bunch of boxes with numbers in them most likely printed off the myPay website.

Finally take both your Purchase & Sales agreement (between you and the seller) and the Assignment-agreement (between you and your buyer) to your title-company or closing-attorney.