I just built a house last year in Brenham and am familiar with many contractors in the area.

Should that purchase and sale agreement include that the owner is to transfer to me her holding of the existing renters' damage deposit and last month's rent?

Hopefully you have straightened up since the last one.

I wish you the best.You must have overlooked the part where I indicated I have been investing in small towns for the last 25 years .  

Further look into it I found out that Lis Pendens was issues last month.  

Drove by property last night and estimate repairs at $15000.

Also looking at Wilmington NC on a tip from a friend if New Haven is too pricey (Last BP Podcast with Steve Garner from Wilmington was super helpful and full of good tips)    Haven't found/reached out to local REIA yet, but aim to this fall.  

However, the people moving to the community without ties are teachers (we had a bunch retire these last few years), an attorney, medical professional, mechanic, manager of assisted living facility, restaurant owner, carpenter, etc. on top of those other professions. 

But to answer your last question, when you close on the property, the title company handles all of the documents and recordings needed for the sale.

We have one rental house purchased last year that cash flows zero because it is on a 15 year loan.