I’m not in Tyler, but I know how important it is to find like-minded people when starting out.

Otherwise, seems like a great passive investment with long-term upside! 

Not sure on your timeframe, but AZ is currently a buyers market (like I'm sure a most states are) due to a rise in inventory and interesest rates.

LOL   That is exactly what I would expect from the Detroit City Government.If you go there, they are likely going to say you first need a license from a different office on the other side of town and when you drive there, they will say you need an appointment with them, but they only have appointments the third Thursday of each month.  

The cleanout is about 10-15 feet from the curb, but they had to snake 70 feet, suggesting a potential city sewer issue.The plumber mentioned that if I report this to the city, they will likely request a secondary cleanout closer to the curb, which I would have to install at my expense (a costly job).

It feels like 10K in PA is equivalent to 2K in NJ.

Like myself, REO listing agents just want to work with solid buyers who can understand a few points about buying REOs.For example, REOs use contracts that forbid assignment.

Start by networking through local meetups, REIA groups, and online communities like BiggerPockets to connect with experienced investors.

Anything the u/w can perceive as "variable income", even if its a shift-differential like nurses or firemen...

Your best and most efficient option would be a DSCR cashout refinance, more than likely.