Based on this article (https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/housing/baltimo...) it looks like that out of 41,000 tax lien sales, 1,750 were foreclosed on.

Both approaches can work—you just have to decide what feels right based on your timeline and goals.Good luck with the closing, and feel free to reach out if you are ever looking in Indiana! 

Since you’re based in NY, Detroit is just a short flight away, making it feasible to visit and get a feel for the market and the team you’d be working with.That said, I’ve worked with plenty of investors who have never actually visited and still built successful portfolios—it really comes down to having the right boots on the ground.

Can you deny someone's application based on this despite it being a medical marijuana card & not technically breaking the rules of smoking indoors?

Also if this property is on septic that also can throw a wrench into the ability to call a space "a bedroom" as septic systems are sized and permitted based on the bedrooms.

I have a W-2 Job, capital saved up for a down payment (or two), and a buy box based on my affordability.

Based on the above points, you asked us (experienced investors) what would WE decide.  

I'm also based in California.

It's a loan based on your revenues.

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.