Sometimes transfer is done with an endorsement stamp on an existing assignment document, so you may not have an original assignment document for each transfer. 

My plan is to stay under $350000, but would feel more comfortable around $200000.I do not want and do not have time to hassle with with renters, so would like to have it in areas where renters are more reliable.

What is difficult, is getting enough experience when starting out to be a reliable asset to your clients...  

I see many transfers by Warranty deed, that were preceded by QCD's and other issues.

Does that automatically transfer into my checking account or is that another transaction?

We did not do 1031 transfers or anything novel. 

Can I take classes for one state and get licensed (before I retire) and then transfer that to another state? 

,nice job.Whatever you did to find those contacts/friends in the trades, make sure you keep doing.good/reliable people are hard to find.Nice choice of colors and materials.

One key change is that now the property taxes have to be paid current before a title can be transferred, so that is something you definitely need to check on before buying. 

There is no reliable way other that to look at an owners mortgage statement.