On my last refi, the bank told the AMC to get the appraiser to ensure we pulled permits.

So if you default, they'll want to ensure your down payment is enough to cover their legal costs and any damage you might have done to the property. $10K+ isn't atypical.

I would call Real Acquisitions and ensure the filters you wanted are working properly. 

Focusing on what you do best will ensure you are successful. 

@Dakoda Spencer when a bank does a loan, they will get an appraisal done to ensure that the property is worth at least what you are purchasing it for.

It may be worth a small fee to ensure your new tenants understand the terms of the lease.

The fee is a pittance in relation to optimally ensuring protection of your personal assets, and in relation to the value of the RE you will be dealing with.Another benefit is your LLC will be more "respected" by trolling trial lawyers that are deciding whether it's worth it to sue you on a contingency basis.

This is in an effort to ensure they can collect as much as possible without dealing with silly things like deductions etc.

Your offer is usually accompanied by a deposit (usually $500 - $1,000) to let the seller know that you're serious, and to make the contract legally binding if/when the seller accepts.To make an offer, you can work through the real estate agent (assuming it's listed on the MLS), or you can write up your own purchase agreement and send it directly to the property owner.If you need financing for the property, you'll want to be sure you're pre-approved for a mortgage in the amount that you need (this will ensure that you're not wasting everyone's time), or you can even propose that the seller finance the sale for you (although this is a much less conventional route).If/when your offer is accepted, you generally have a set period of time to call an inspector (if you want) and/or walk through the property yourself to check it out.

Send your owner your rent via certified check to ensure that she's received it, and so you have proof that you sent it whether or not she cashes it.