I've heard to stay away from land contracts because of the power it gives to the seller but my realtor said that there would be a deed written up with my name on it and would sit in escrow with the bank or title company.

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Sometimes they brush off the conversation whenever I bring it up.

No realtor has the power to make a bad deal look good.You may find if you wait and resubmit offers on properties that have not sold, they may accept it the second time around. 

I have all daughters and my oldest is 9, she knows how to do baseboards, trim, tile, and use power tools.

I agree, start with a kindly conversation about energy conservation.Our tenants pay their own electricity, but we supply the light bulbs for all of our units.

Should I start conversations with some mortgage brokers/ bankers to see what I would be able to borrow and what I would need for cash down?  

(I have many properties, and may have more bargain power).Posting on Craiglist costs nothing.  

Certainly worth a conversation though.

Their name changed from Tenants Union of Seattle to Tenants Union of Washington State, a reflection of their new focus.http://www.tenantsunion.org/en The Washington Rental Owners Association has the most powerful lobby in favor of landlords.