You are going to need the prior experience to get the loan approval.

Regarding a 1031 exchange, it is important to have a conversation with your accountant prior to getting it done.

With the increased competition, it’s also crucial to prepare your listing to stand out and work to address buyer objections prior to going on market.

My objective is to establish my network in the region prior to my arrival.

I would definitely find out exactly what happened and if they did visit the property prior to dispatching them.

Yes, if anything its easier since no residential restrictions. savvy participants.Harder because you have to know how to present a property, typically have to spend on chase costs prior to assigning.

However, you can be more comfortable with your offer if you can have your GCs do a walkthrough and provide total rehab estimate prior to making your offer.

I really think a newbie can take your instruction guide above (and one posted by @Frank Wolter recently) and achieve success.

Assuming this is a matured note, and the debtor does not pay, the trustee of the property (assuming deed of trust) will be instructed by note holder to foreclose.  

You don't have a great case for a tax appeal here because it looks like it was upped based on the renovation and improvements done prior to you buying it.