There are several different methods that could work in the area based on how much your budget is.

I do give tenants discounts for yard work or snow shoveling, but I keep it less than what I would pay a company to do the work.As for raising the rent, use the binder method.

They may have dealt with similar situations and could offer guidance on the next steps.

Looking forward to seeing how your experience shapes your next steps in long-term rentals in the Southeast!

any proactive steps i can take to help speed up the process?

It can be HOA liens, tax liens, utility liens, etc.The thing that most people don't know about courthouse steps buys is that the same buyers are always there and they all know each other.

I had a full time job and invested in real estate doing the BRRRR method.

Also you can check Meetup for local investor groups as well as there are some smaller ones around also.I'd say one of the biggest steps is choose a type of Investing.

We like the KISS method (keep it simple & for the stupid)

I got into the industry primarily to learn about real estate investments specifically long term rentals/ the BRRRR method so when it comes time for me to do my own deals I have the confidence and knowledge to do so.