Given your background and interest in foreclosure and pre-foreclosure purchases, here are some pieces of advice to help you succeed in this niche market.

Has anyone had any experience with Beyond Backgrounds?

I think it really depends on the neighborhoods, but in Cleveland, I've seen cash tenants with great background checks and 700 credit completely trash units and were some of the worst tenants imaginable, so I think it really depends on the area.  

In their view, to be a licensed agent, you must learn the laws, pass tests, comply with a supervising broker and pass a background test.

Why would anyone consider doing business with you if you don’t introduce yourself and state your background?

Tenant(s) Social Security Number: this should have been obtained by the current landlord to do a background check duringthe application process.

I spoke to my insurance guy and in its infancy with not starting an LLC to expedite things being in the background he said an umbrella policy would do the trick from his viewpoint.

@Troy Sheets how do I get started in new construction as a beginner   That's a broad question not knowing your background, experience, market, etc.

There is a lot to learn, if you don't have a construction background! 

My husband and brother both have extensive backgrounds in construction, while I have experience in design, so I am very confident that with the updates we would make, the house could be worth over $900k.