The vast majority of contractors won't want to give bids on properties while under contract unless they have a relationship with that person from prior jobs.

Have the tenants take and send pictures of any maintenance items and video chat with the repair person as needed.If you ever get in a situation where you just feel like you can't do it or don't want to do it, you can always put a PM in place at any time. 

The first mortgage will provide a payoff to the sheriff/court and the funds from the auction go to them.

Sounds like the person knew what was going on with their credit report as they have filed reports in the past. 

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

The last one I say from personal experience.

My family made theirs in real estate (house hacking a private money funded 4 family when I was little) so two different philosophies.

My recommendation would be to engage an investment property focused realtor (not a general residential realtor) and let that person guide you through the process from pre-qualification to market/property valuation and selection. 

When enrollments tanked and classes were no longer being offered in person, the student housing industry was cratered.

Be sure to have funds you can tap in case of emergency or inevitable market dips. - Most Fortune 5000 (and others) companies do this.