Keep learning and engaging on the forums.

Take a look at some photos below to see some of the things you should be prepared for if you engage in investing in these blighted areas.

What types of communication are you regularly engaged in?

If your real estate attorney specializes in closings, they might not be the best choice for entity structuring advice.You should be crystal clear on your own objectives long before you engage an attorney.

At least in the sheriff's sales, the auctioneer is not engaged in trying to hide things from the buyer. 

In the meantime, in my preliminary search for a one stop platform these struck me as two of the better players.

But...If I wanted to engage in other REI deals with money straight from my savings account, would I have to form a separate business entity in order to take part?

Maybe that's how I'm perceived at this point from the players that could actually bring me the deals I want.

That could be a great way to find and stay engaged with local investors, realtors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsLooks like you've already made some connections with other BP members in your area...You can also search for other investors or brokers in your market and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersBest of luck to you and look forward to following your success on BP!

Your post was apropos because it’s easier to analyze the heck out of a deal than to take the actual steps to engage in the buying process.