I've seen @Bruce Woodruff comment on many contractor related questions, maybe he can point you in the right direction of where you can find good education on the costs of rehabbing! 

And there are some surprisingly affordable places there.Maybe my thinking was that I could constrain my research and 'education' to that specific geography and then apply what I learn to other areas I might consider.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

EDUCATE YOURSELF AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE on the laws that govern tax sales and what you are required to do.

I really have education overload and analysis paralysis right now and have been studying Peter's videos on YouTube.

Seriously, you pay for your education is what I thought and even if I lost money I would be well ahead for the experience.

He needs to be a manager, organizer, motivator, and educated in the trades and he has to give a you know what about the finished product of your job. 

I have a really good friend that works in commercial quake insurance, and it's been pretty educational the last 5 or so years to kind of get peak behind the curtain from his perspective. 

Zach also helped educate me about the process and gave me some information that other contractors did not. 

My focus, as I begin my journey in real estate investing is building a solid foundation through education and thorough market research.