Once your offer is accepted, you can use your due diligence period to do deeper due diligence to confirm with county records things like how much the seller owes, whether they are current or delinquent on their mortgage loan and more.This is also when you should have an inspection done.

However, if Oct. 12th was just when they happened to vacate the property, then you can pro-rate the rent from Oct. 27th.Did you have any financial damages from the "unauthorized tenant"? 

To find a deal under 300k....I would pull the sale records for multi family in the specific areas you want to buy with a max purchase price of let’s say 250k. 

Essentially waiting 9 months would just give me more of a financial cushion to start with.

After working for someone all my life, I have found out that I want financial freedom and independence. 

How can I find more deals, and do more than one at time.... at this rate I'll be in my grave before I hit my goal of initial financial freedom.....

Those records are found free, in your county recorders office.

You should talk to a financial advisor and seriously think about putting the money into the stock market if your investment horizon is long.  

How long it takes to be financially ready is different for everyone.

Bought my first Building in 1997.Quit my job in 2004, never had to work again (except if I wanted to) as I became financially free.