The IRS generally does not allow you to deduct expenses for a property that has not been placed into service, as deductions typically apply to operational properties actively being used to produce income.

Too often, I just hear people say they are "looking for a good deal", but defining that good deal in a specific area makes it much easier to spot. 

Some questions for the people with experience: What are some basic landlord problems I will most likely run into?

More than anything, real estate is a people business.

Chances are they are paying others who are not as accommodating as you (amazing how people will make those car payments while jeopardizing their homes) - and it's time for them to move on to housing they can afford and to a tenant that does not require you to subsidize them.  

The big thing is always focus on protecting the public, disclose, and take care of people.

With LLC Owner Match, DealMachine connects people to companies and companies to properties allowing you to find the owner or registered agent for nearly every corporate owned property in the country.

There are a lot of great resources here and around the web for people looking to invest in Birmingham.

:I received my Q2 distribution.Adding other people below who were waiting for this update.

But for many people, it is one of a number of sources of deal flow, to add to MLS listings, wholesalers, direct owner outreach, auction, etc.Assuming you are specifically talking about sheriff auctions, just make sure you familiarize yourself with the general procedures for the auction.