Are they still collecting rent and taking money that way, or are they billing you? 

5k a I don’t mind if it takes a few years, and I’m willing to be as actively involved as needed to achieve my goals.

It doesn't take long to learn how to spot a good deal.6.

It would take around 5 years to pay off the HELOC by using some of the monthly rental income from two investment properties.

The timeline for reconstruction is decades, many will choose not to rebuild or re-take the risk.

I have worked with some investor that can take down a small full development with that type of down payment. 

Most people are just too lazy to take advantage of them.

In our lovely state of WA once the removal is approved, it could take another week or two until the sheriff gets to the property and posts the legalese paperwork on the door(they are busy), basically telling the bum that he will be tossed on XX date. 

What you can do is get a report what the properties were listed for, on the MLS and take a guess.

I agree with @Gregory Schwartz that as long as your eyes are open, you are asking good questions, you have resources and have surrounded yourself with a good agent and PM, take the leap and learn as you go.