This tells me he cares at some level and has an eye for detail.  

Find a company that you know will protect you first and then negotiate fees last.....just my opinion. 

I believe most people are honest, but enough aren't to make it worthwhile to better protect myself during the transactions process.

Taxes, protected by prop 13 from massive increases.

Since you are asking for general advice on out of state investing, here is my two cents worth...I agree with @Hattie Dizmond, you need to have a reliable team on the ground to be your eyes and ear.

Some catches that I noticed were:1) Get your real estate license so that you could protect yourself even just to do a wholesale deal.2) Hard money lenders, wholesalers, professionals in law... anyone can screw you from a deal.3) You almost always need a mentor.This makes me wonder, can someone really start from the bottom knowing just a scratch about real estate investing.

Generally if you are looking to make money quickly then a flip is what you might want to keep your eye out for - however, if your looking for longer term cash flow, then you may want to buy and hold -both have their pros and cons and risks and rewards.

I apologize if this is the wrong area to ask but it is a rather urgent request, if it needs to be moved feel free.My title company is asking me to sign a closing protection letter waiver with both them and the underwriter named.

We have a small investor group that has met a few times in Carmel/Monterey so keep an eye out for our next meeting date that should be posted here in BP.  

As far as filthy it could have been that way when she moved in and in her eyes it looks the same.