We may require a survey if there is not one already – these normally cost between $350 – $450 for a single family house in a suburb.

For the small return, my membership decided the business had become an opportunity not worth pursuing. 

There are lenders offering less than that, especially if you have Costco membership.

I find it very difficult to buy liens, deeds or redeemable deeds in locations I have not seen or have someone to survey the property for me. 4- not sure...maybe knowing the different rules at each county auction. 

Obviously I am thinking of getting the property surveyed and thinking of building it back up to a potential getaway/airbnb.

Offer to sign a confidentiality agreement to try to break the information loose.You can often underwrite a deal using a market rent survey and industry standard expenses.

They may require a new survey if you cannot provide one which you will also pay for.

Membership to course, POA (<— MAIN QUESTION RIGHT HERE...who creates a POA?).

There is a pretty good one here on BP. https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investme...You only get to use it 5 times without a pro membership.

Most syndications cannot do this due to financing constraints and so must sell you membership interest in the LLP or LLC that is doing the syndication.