If you need to obtain it, how difficult will that process be?  

Starting with a smaller property or a few fix-and-flip projects can help you build equity, gain credibility with lenders, and better understand the process before scaling up.Securing funding for larger projects can be challenging without prior experience, but options like hard money loans might be worth exploring.

The following is the thought process on a house we looked at in Italy over Xmas.  

In a city like Philly, you will face many challenges - you need to learn the market and know the neighborhood and the block and make sure all of your numbers are within reason, you need very reliable contractors, you need a to understand the permit process, you need to be familiar with market expectations. 

What's the process & requirements (e.g. copy of lease agreement) for getting one and would the MTR tenant need to arrive early enough on check-in day to get to the municipal building that probably closes at 4 or 5 PM?

I'm in the same process and have the same question.

For that SMALL landlord, turnover/vacancy is VERY expensive because it takes them longer to prep and fill the vacancy and they are also paying the PM a fee for tenant placement whereas the large landlord is using their staff who is being paid whether they handle a turnover or not.

I desire to begin investing asap so I started the process of  learning as much as I can by reading and watching videos.

This ensures that any payout for damage or liability can be processed more smoothly, and it can help protect your interests if something happens on the property. 

Make sure you understand the auction process and are prepared for any unseen issues with the property.Auction Considerations: With auctions, pay close attention to the condition of the property, title issues, and financing restrictions.