I wrote up a non-disclosure agreement contract for the investor to sign.

Yes, banks will let you do an inspection, and will negotiate over non-obvious problems.

The laws are different for each state and I'm no tax lien/deed expert but I know a bit.

The more people you know, even non-prospects, the more chances you have to receive referrals and the more business you will have.

I have formed several LLC's for non-real estate ventures over the last few years myself.

We've taken to tracking a 6 month rolling average on the advice of our statistical experts (to smooth out those bumps and to showing trending more accurately), it's easy to do in an excel ss when you're really trying to figure out what's cooking in a particular market.

I currently work directly with a buyer that specializes in purchasing REOs in bulk, NPNs (non-performing notes), and UPB (unpaid principle balance).

Sometimes a non-savvy closer will think you are a vulture and not want to help you close your deal.

By having the bill come to me, I know as soon as it can be known that water was overused and I have control of the payments and prevented liens from non-payment.A midway approach I have seen attempted (mostly with great pain) is to have the bills come to you, but make the tenant responsible as per the lease.

Even if you do buy from one of these outfits, at least get the opinion of an expert in the local area.