:)And there are companies here in Oregon and Wa that hook up with RE brokers , ( these companies are HML) they track all the sales have a very sophisticated software system. they bid for you and also provide the cash for you at sale.So it goes like this.say you want to bid on a 200k house you need 40k. you deposit that with them.they win the bid they put up the 200k .. they take a security interest on the recipt from auction.. then when trustee's deed comes they roll that into a HML.they charge a fee for the buy .. and then charge you for the HML usually 4 and 14 , and then you do the rehab and your free to use anyone to resell. 

However, if the housing court record is pulled by name, date of birth, and/or social security number, then I would have more faith in it and ask the tenant to get that letter.

Should I collect a security deposit, and upfront payment even though I'm sure he did that with the previous landlord? 

The insurance is only an extra $10 a month...Will make sure pool area is safe and secure with fencing and have tenants sign a pool waiver. 

It could be a non-secured loan for all I care.

-Yes I will be securing the property-What do you mean by "how can this be equal?"

I have a couple of rentals, but I am looking at a great deal that I can flip, but want to offer seller financing to secure cash flow coming in.

The issue for people that realize that apartments are better than other types of RE investments (in some areas) is they may not have the finances, knowledge, or support to secure said communities.

It's all about the time value of money and security of future payments.

If a end buyer puts up the cash to build will I be deeding the land to them and taking back a mortgage to secure my equity?