I would change my tone with the old contractor and notice him in writing he's not welcome back to the property and you are looking into option to hold him accountable.

The MLS, due to high competition and normally high asking prices, wouldn't be the best option to find deals. 

I have been learning a lot about investing in the U.S. but I am an American living in Thailand and actually came across an amazing deal here.But I am short about $50,000 for it.

So just an option to look at.  

Any delinquent loans are “put” back on the seller.From the seller’s perspective, it requires managing the complexity and liquidity requirements of outstanding options.To compensate for the transference of risk, notes with put options trade at a lower yield.- Sellers receive payment for the loan and a premium for the option.- Buyers earn a reduced yield but hold a valuable option.Much in the same way that equity yields are reduced in up markets when bought with put options.How often do you buy/sell debt with put options?

I hosted attorney panels in local REI clubs, and there never was any consensus.In our great state of Texas, your best option could be a Series LLC: one LLC that has individual compartments for each property.

This actually got me thinking of the best restaurant deals I've seen.

Fractional investing options include real estate crowdfunding platforms like Arrived and Ark7, or real estate syndications for potentially higher returns.

I’m researching my finance options and studying the market.  

., for a $250k house, $2,500 of earnest money, with a reasonable option amount.