As long as you are in regular contact and are responsive to their needs, things tend to go smoothly.

@Steve Buchanan , I recently did a buy-fix-hold where I bought and rehabbed with my own money and then refinanced for a regular mortgage. 

I was woundering if there is some type of voicemail i could create that would explain to them that im out of the office and i will return there call during regular business hours.

Anywhere the LA County Sheriff patrols regularly I think are some.

I think it's unanimous you can't get solid deals regularly from the auction itself, but it is quite feasible if you catch it before the sale ;D

Is there a yearly max on how much the principle can be paid down each year (in addition to regular mortgage payments)?

Many of my guests are "regulars", so I try to do one "over the top" per year, and it usually turns into two or more. 

At this point, although she is paying on the note on a regular and timely basis, I am feeling a bit vulnerable as the note has not been recorded in the county docs.   

Why not go into Providence or Boston (assuming you live in Pawtucket) and get a job with one of the major accounting firms which would probably start around $70k vs building up to it plus get you benefits and a more regular schedule?

I know you said you are not a lawyer, but I thought since you work on this type of thing regularly you might have some more insight into the law and how it structured, what the possible details are for implementing, etc.