Find a broker that will help you identify sites both listed and not listed online, you'll be glad you did.

It's FAR easier to judge someone's character by phone than by online presence on your Airbnb profile. 

Of course more that half of these online companies are on ripoff.com or have negative ratings.

Obviously my first go at this, online there is talk say a Quit Warranty Deed form and filing it at the county recorder's office is all it take?

Then reach out to them again and on a regular basis to remind them because most times they forget and still think of you in your previous occupation.Utilize the internet & social media as much as possible.

So, what other things do you all look for when doing online research to determine if a particular neighborhood is "good" or not before you waste gas/time to see it in person.

Has anybody ever done the online offer through them? 

I prefer online testing/study guides.

Pulled this link from the internet regarding a description of contract for deed, which looks like what you are describing.  

Yes, appraisers must hold a license, there are courses on line, however, you will also need to work under an appraiser to advance to do fee appraisals.