On the high end it's $5000 to $10,000 or more (Kris Krohn on that high end) and they will "walk you through every step to buying a property and be successful like me" while flashing around Ferraris and Rolex watches. 

It can be HOA liens, tax liens, utility liens, etc.The thing that most people don't know about courthouse steps buys is that the same buyers are always there and they all know each other.

Also you can check Meetup for local investor groups as well as there are some smaller ones around also.I'd say one of the biggest steps is choose a type of Investing.

First step is looking at the data of your comps.

So given that “Amazon effect”, STNL is far from a no brainer, and buying in markets I have no idea about (suburbs in states I’ve never visited) is a huge step into the unknown.

.- What measures can landlords take to ensure protection while renting, and what steps should be considered prior to seeking a tenant?

The fact that you’re aware of it and taking small steps is huge!

I assume it has to do with 1031x and/or LTCG, depreciation, and a step-up in basis at death, yes?

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are at a similar stage in their investment journey, or seek out those who are 1-2 steps ahead.

the first step that I would take is to find an investor from the realtor in your area and you can build a lot of your network just piggybacking off of theirs with their recommendations of contractors and other professionals biggerPockets has a great tool for finding realtors.