My local area has high property tax and makes me wonder about PA as an alternative. 

A deed is given and accepted as an alternative to ("in lieu of") foreclosure.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Being in the right area, especially near a popular train/subway station, makes a huge difference in the value of a property.

Suburbs like Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Alpharetta are popular for their strong demand and rising property values, while areas like Southwest Atlanta and East Atlanta offer more affordable properties with solid rental yields.

While California has long been a real estate powerhouse, Florida offers a compelling alternative with its own unique set of advantages.Let's spark some conversation!

Alternatively, platforms like Twilio provide excellent customization but might require more technical setup for Podio.

Open to hear alternate suggestions. 

I'm California-based where there aren't any real deals in my area, so I'm exploring Detroit as an alternative real estate investment market - due to the combination of it being a strong market and my having connections in the area. 

These three smaller companies are popular with Bigger Pockets members, and their respective leaders are active on this forum.