Forums used to be called "boards" because they were electronic versions of bulletin boards or message boards. 

Get out of your comfort zone.

I would like to enter the landscape of real estate investing, but the area I live in has a barrier to entry with regards to cost.

A quick google search of your state indicates the following regaridng timeline to give notice:30 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for less than one year, or have a lease for less than one year60 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for more than one year but less than two years, or have a lease for more than one year but less than two years90 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for more than two years, or have a lease for at least two yearsI'd definitely touch base with an eviction attorney in your state to ensure you are not missing any steps and to have the attorney as a backup option in case the tenant does not vacate easily.

I was aware of the egress requirement, but was not considering the door size or ceiling heights.

I’m also not keen on out-of-state investing or syndications due to the lack of control. 

Two of them decided to move out in December without informing me.

For commercial buildings, be very specific - price range, $/door max, unit count, unit mix, part of town.

It could be possible to still negotiate a purchase depending on the stage of foreclosure it is in. 

One year we appealed the assessmnet on 65 of our properties.