The scenario you describe is EXACTLY why I'd want to see the property and neighborhood myself before buying.

Once I was on that page, I could see the applicant's email address and contact info.

You need to have "Skin" in the game meaning your money or "Family" money.You can receive "gift funds" from a "Family" member if money was given to a family member and then given to you as a gift from family it would work.Keep in mind even if the seller gives you money the bank/lender will see the deposit into your account since they ask for (2) months of bank statements.

I would suggest you purchase a property that has been in business atleast the past two years so you can see the income stream and expenses.

The website has some warnings, but the Sheriff is selling the properties, so they aren’t necessarily going to give me the straight dope.Not being able to see the inside is tricky.

Have an agent pull comps for you to see the value.

They see the houses listed for 80k or 100k and they'll get themselves into trouble without a dose of realism, in my opinion. 

You can see the tax information and HOA estimates on there!

I want to see the disclosures, but should I just bounce and keep looking?

Hi Suzanne-I would suggest checking out google, reading reviews, and looking at different websites to see the top few that you think will provide value.