The process is a lot easier if you find the right agent.  

Quote from @Rene Hosman: @Austin Wolff recently went through this process of identifying markets to purchase in and he goes over his thought process in this episode on the Rookie podcast about how he used the MarketFinder here on BiggerPockets to find markets that met his criteria Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-473MarketFinder: https://www.biggerpockets.com/marketsI specifically only focused on 2 markets (Indianapolis and Fayetteville, AR) before I found a deal using the BP "deal finder."

They cost slightly more than the normal permitting process, but I usually have permits in hand in a week or less.My GC is has some experience on Coronado, if you would like I can connect you, so you can get his opinion as well.

They were abandoned and needed significant work which wasn't a huge issue but in terms of HUD owned properties i heard there can be significant processing periods.

Start the eviction process.

Certainly nothing ground-breaking in terms of ideas here, however I'll be very hands on (and on site) during the process to make sure that every step of the way is executed to a high standard and very carefully.Once I've hopefully developed a successful track record and gained experience, my next goal would be to move on to commercial assets (think multi-family, industrial etc) so that I can leverage my existing investor network and real estate knowledge to raise 3rd party equity and take on bigger projects.

I negotiated by being honest and transparent about every step in the process.

How was the permitting process with the city?

The renovation process included modernizing outdated features, updating plumbing and electrical systems, and enhancing curb appeal.

-Transfer the property into an LLC – This may allow me to take ownership while potentially avoiding property tax reassessment, however this sounds like an involved process-Establish a living trust for my aunt and mother – The trust would specify that I inherit the property upon their passing and provide step up in cost basis but i'm worried that the living trust can be modified to have me removed (who knows what can happen) - My mother is somewhat volatile.I would like to live in the property and my mother will live in her second property with her husband.