After researching, it is clear that the best and most effective way to find properties and have reliable information is to utilize the MLS.

The effective outcome is the same, but with more flexibility retained by you.Also, when it comes time to look at placing a mortgage, I strongly encourage you to look at a variable rate, fixed term product.  

The disclosure statute, effective for instruments executed on or after August 1, 2013 and modeled in part on the condominium/townhome disclosure statute, requires a “multiple seller” of residential real estate selling on a contract for deed to provide certain statutorily mandated disclosures.

All are effective but my budget is running low.

Transfer of funds and repayments takes effect.

Keep your eyes on the prize, which is reinstating in a timely and cost effective manner for your purposes.  

Anyone can have good reviews on their website and anyone can be a member of BP (who behaves at least)....but none of that means they are a legit operation.

Personally, I tend to think that we have enough other fundamentals going for us in this region (wine, tourism, proximity to bay area...) that it won't have a huge effect, but I'm curious what others think.

The properties I'm looking at are all very closely regulated by the city and there aren't a lot of random trailer parks around or anything to that effect.

So, how would that work with closing costs and effecting potential profits?