But leave the more intricate and sensitive parts of updating your home to the professionals.

Keep in mind this is sensitive information concerning someones financial history and should be guarded as such.

Can someone explain this because sellers seem sensitive about divulging this information when I ask.  

I suppose that burned something in my heart and head and I am "Hyper~Sensitive" when it comes to scams. 

Buying a home in foreclosure you don't need a license, you just need to be extra sensitive on how one is marketing, the contracts, disclosures, and the sensitivity varies depending on how one is structuring the deal ( subject-to, etc. )Tips to decease getting in trouble in the distressed homeowner resolution realm:  ( you'd be surprised how many people don't understand this or care ) : Don't charge people upfront for services ( probably how most agent and attorneys lose license ), Don't take advantage of people,  Don't commit fraud, do your contracts and disclosures properly. 

This works OK for relatively static and simple investments like a private placement or crowdfund, but can become rather cumbersome and expensive with a more time sensitive and transaction intensive asset such as a rental property.

Next, install hyper sensitive smoke detectors, wi-fi video of common areas, and hire moolighting police drug-sniffing dogs, preferably German Shepherds.  

I have several time sensitive deals needing funding so i need to approach all avenues, like yesterday.

On the other hand, if that is their neighborhood, I would be sensitive to that and maybe work a little harder at finding a solid tenant.

@Daniel Reeder, First off I'll say I've only bought one property so far so I am a total newbie.I have a condo near Sacramento, CA I'm rehabbing.Cons:$410 in HOA fees/ monthI have to be a lot more sensitive with when I rehab to not disturb my neighbors.