Record the deed in the county recorders office of the county where the property is located.Most deed of trusts and mortgages contain a due on sale clause.

Private money at lower rates usually does not like the new guys they want people with proven track records.

Buy the book, record yourself reading it, and then sell those copies.

Steve, Different cities use different MLS software so there isn't an a easy way to get a clear representation of what those records would look like.

The upside to the county sites (sometimes the recorder has useful data, too) is that access is typically free.

I have sent out letters to owners before by researching the tax records, got some responses, but everyone wanted way too much.

If you have a strong relationship with a bank (track record of successful investments) they get more flexible on stuff like this.All my commercial stuff is single tenant buildings, with similar leases (non national tenants) and I get financing at around 65% LTV (I don't own very many commercial buildings).You could also make the purchase contingent on the existing owner getting the tenant to sign a longer lease.

If you own it free and clear, it will not hurt you in getting a loan on another property, it will just not help you by providing additional income.Start keeping excellent records now...you are going to need them later.

They have a track record of results and understand the renovation process that is likely to occur, thus having a better eye for the final product.Of course it all depends on the skillset of the person.

@Jonathan MednickThanks for your post.Impressive record.