Any buyer can walk in behind one of these frauds, make an honest offer, put down substantial consideration, and kick the unlicensed broker to the curb.From the statute:All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserve

As a new investor I appreciate and enjoy knowledge on different subjects or different types of rental properties that are beneficial.

If not available I guess not many choices.

Moving can be very beneficial, healthy, isn't synonymous with 'unstable'. 

Here is from FL statues 475.43"All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserve"I will welcome the day when all the frauds and game players are mostly out of business.

In the meantime, the creation of a situation that that is mutually beneficial instead of paying a bank is preferred with both parties. 

IF, big if, the market is good for house flipping that would be my choice and I would get into it full time.

Note that HELOC terms on owner-occupied properties is much more beneficial than non-OO (from my experience).Good luck and congrats on the 1st purchase and good progress towards the second.

3) Is it beneficial and legal to get a hold of the owner to get an idea of the situation?

Low valued SFHs can cash flow, higher value homes can not.Purpose built properties, such as multi plex units are built and designed explicitly for the use as rentals and are priced accordingly (or should be).A personal home is not a investment, it is a life style choice that will ultimately cost more to the owner than it will ever be worth (except in certain areas like CA where no one understands the value of money).