One more question:Does anyone have a range of what I should expect to pay for installation of a ceiling fan by a licensed electrician where the wires are already in the ceiling covered by a blank plate? 

They'll be a key partner here.Are there any capital expenses staring you in the face?

Haven't figured my first step though, other than spending several hours a day staring at redfin.

They stare at the water forever, hoping their fear will go away or someone will give them a secret that guarantees they will be successful and safe.

As soon as the sale went through the blank hit the fan, we had to evict 2 of the 4 menbers that were not paying.  

about half of the properties on this list that i found online have a bid amount listed, and the rest are left blank. 

But even with that, an agent that understands how YOU work and how YOUR strategy works, will be worth far more to you than just anybody that can fill in blanks on the form.In my opinion, you would be further ahead to find the agent that you are comfortable with and trust their judgement and experience.  

In fact, the HUD-1 Settlement Statement (lines 203 and 503) that is used for virtually every loan closing has a blank which states, "loans taken subject to."

I would talk to @alex aaron with Blank Slate Development.

If you're just staring, buy your own house, preferably one you can make more attractive while you live in it.