Most title insurance companies are escrows as well, so I do not think this should be a problem and it shouldn't cost as much as you think.Let me know how it turns out.

I have used this strategy for closing cost as well as other repairs.  

It's totally doable, just be sure you know exactly why you're buying.I only work with turnkeys out-of-state so I don't know of any multis in that price range (since turnkeys tend to cost a little more since there's no distress), and multis for turnkeys in general are hard to find right now because cash flow in minimal to negative on good multis these days.

I am sure plenty of folks will tell you to get a lawyer, but that can cost a bit of money.4) Smartmove is what I have used.  

I can go much higher but a signature shouldn't cost a whole lot.

I want to get into wholesaling real estate in the OC area of California (Costa Mesa, Huntington, Newport, etc).

That first deal was the equivalent of every training I could ever take and more, and not only did it not cost a dime, but I actually made money.For anyone who has the motivation, intelligence and discipline to spend a few months reading everything they can get their hands on, talking to other investors, attending REIA meetings, etc, there is absolutely no reason why they should be putting any substantial amount of money at risk doing their first deal.Especially if you're doing wholesaling or sub2, in which case, you should be able to attempt your first deal with nothing but a few bucks for marketing.Of course, gurus want you to believe that if you don't take their courses, you're doomed to lose tens of thousands of dollars, so the $10K you spend on the course is money well spent.Well, if you want to believe that BS, feel free.

I have no problems eating the cost, as that is a part of the business, but I definitely will be changing how I go about this in the future.

I have personally invested in Costa Rica; however that is a totally different ball game, as I did not buy weather distressed property. 

In Costa Rica it is 6 MONTHS.