I believe I need to get pre-qualified once more now that my financial situation has changed, so I'd like to ask all of you - How do you find and effectively vet mortgage brokers in your area?

If it was possible to do a targeted mail campaign directed to a potential Seller you know something about, even general demographics, that might have a special effect. 

I would like to know some good books or effective ways of educating yourself without going to the gurus.

Ben,I believe that there are two questions you have to answer, and then I'm going to respectfully disagree with one of the other suggestions you were given:First, (and I believe Jim identified this issue) is your transaction a true lease option or is it a deferral of part of the purchase price, including payment of a finance charge?

They can transact real estate, hire and fire RE agents, make and originate real estate loans, as well as sell them to the public.

If you intend to finance it, I would let the lender do the appraisal since the lender won't use yours (conflict of interest) and you'll be paying for the one they order.Ideally you would have a trusted advisor that has closed similar transactions and can guide you through the process.

By allowing people to run credit cards through a company account and then returning them the cash less transaction fees  to fund deals,  are you doing anything improper or illegal? 

You are correct as inventory is increasing, and will effect the supply/demand equation.

I couldn't give you a simple answer that would help you- you've gotta build your own recipe.Overall: Efficient but effective marketing.

I did many similar transactions.