I transferred the money via EFT (the transfer instructions had no reference to Lendbase - red flag), and asked for a receipt, but was told that their customers rarely ask for a receipt. 

If you can access the wall cavity, adding rock wool (mineral wool) insulation will make a big impact by reducing vibrations and sound transfer. 

If you come with cash in hand, almost anybody will partner with you.

Make sure to keep backup documentation for each transaction if possible and transfer the balance when you return.

We are first time investors in such an entity and the property that is leased is a new construction that is scheduled to be handed over to us by July or August of this year. 

He told me after the sale that he did not know the house had been torn down and that there was a NEW $17,000 demolition lien on the property that transferred to the new owner, him.At another sale several bidders were bidding on a house that had burn down (maybe by the owner) a few days before the tax sale. 

I dont really have a lot of cash on hand (due to renos) and don't have any big loans or LOC to draw from.I have a background in civil engineering and have a good understanding of residential housing and construction.

Deed transfer is a very big deal to investors. 

Random example from this week:Sell at a loss or rent at a lossOn the other hand, if you are willing to put some time in by traveling to the market, spending time getting a network set up, screening dozens or even hundreds of properties, and taking the time to get set up right, you increase your chance of success.  

I’ve personally gutted and rehabbed three of my own houses, and for the last three years, I’ve been hands-on managing my own rental properties.