I am no professional here, just explaining from my experience.. first, insurance starts claim and they send adjuster out to assess, check damages, and collect documentation.

Research contractors better Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Unless you are confident in estimating the renovations needed, I would highly recommend getting a contractor's professional opinion of the rehab costs.

Depends on the person, but as a professional real estate investor it would be a no brainer for me.

@David Sam Cost segregation can benefit a property under $400K by accelerating depreciation to offset taxable income, especially if you qualify as a real estate professional or use the short-term rental loophole.

Show up to court on time, have all of your paperwork ready, be polite and professional, stick to the facts. 

I would not ask for a template from anyone, the better the contractor the more professional the contractor the better they are with documentation and getting things in order for templates.

As for repairs on the purchase of a home prior to auction there are some professionals utilized by the professionals for costs to repair the home in best and worst case scenarios.

You could also talk to professionals like attorneys or CPAs who might know people interested in lending.