The QI must be an unrelated party to you and to the transaction.   

There may be anywhere from two to 12 transactions on your property per year.

You can also get real estate transaction info for free from your city and county and then look for individuals and LLC or corporations buying multiple properties for cash.

A more effective method is to read and attend various networking events. 

Question I have regarding the transaction and use of funding.

I am an agent, so was the buyer but this was a normal wholesale transaction

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?