Investors want positive cash flow, while retaining a good chunk of equity in the home.

This keeps the friction of moving all my stuff back and forth, and allows me to retain my housemates in the first home.

I can't over stress this point- proper rehab will go a long way in getting better tenants, lowering your maintenance, retaining your tenants, and reducing your stress while managing the property.3.

And they expect a RE broker to be Johnny at the rat hole and then want to rag on them because they aren't doing enough for them blah blah blah.I personally would never work with an investor without an agreement and a retainer up front.

Long term steady income is more appealing at this point, with the concept of possibly obtaining two or three multiple family properties that can be retained for ongoing income, or transformed into TICs.  

Additionally, I was under the impression that I would be able to retain the ORIGINAL  documents and that once the note was paid off, I would return the deed to her   and file a satisfaction of mortgage with the county. 

Or is it retained by the municipality until they can complete the inspection?

I can't think of a better way to retain structural strength and have dual cantilevers.

Are you sure that the current owners actually even retain the mineral rights themselves?

I 100% agree with the idea of letting the pros do what they do best and believe that retaining a good lawyer and CPA are huge benefits and worth every penny.