It might be good to have a 3rd person go in and acknowledge that there is smoke damage. 

Personally, I would start simple with a single family. 

Quote from @Hanna Brown: @Jay Hinrichs If the bidder at the auction pays cash for keys to get the homeowner out, does the person redeeming from the owner position (exercising rights of redemption w/in 180 days) have to reimburse them for those costs they paid to get the homeowner out? 

You could also sell the lead to another company/person.

I really need to know what your personal plan is with the property, are you house hacking or buying strictly as investment. 

Market timing, properly acquired property, personal capital available How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I'm willing to help this person in any way I can.

A relative who does long-distance real estate investing told me that I have to sign the final loan document and the transfer of ownership document in person.

The agent is the person who will have all the data, when you do comps are they on Zillow or Redfin?

Tampa’s my personal favorite (yeah, I’m biased), with strong growth, great tenant demand, and a balance of cash flow and appreciation.