In fact, the title companies and attorneys I've dealt with during the foreclosure process were also surprised by their incompetence.

Just because another real estate investor has success working with a particular company or person does not mean you'll have the same experience.

How do I find out what area/lands development companies will want to purchase in the future? 

Does someone have experience buying a foreclosed property and keeping the existing person/family living there and converting to a tenant? 

Hire a loan servicer - plenty of discussion and recommendation on BP on this topic and some recommendations for servicing companies 

We would want to use it for personal use probably one per year. 

My wife and I own it together, but i may be able to buy her out and keep it as a short-term rental without spending all my personal capital.I’m looking for advice on financing options, buyout strategies, and any creative solutions others have used in similar situations.

Have met him personally a couple times and he is just a great guy all around. 

I'd love to hear different perspectives and insights on this.On a personal note, I'm a husband and father of two.

My recommendation would be to engage an investment property focused realtor (not a general residential realtor) and let that person guide you through the process from pre-qualification to market/property valuation and selection.