Aside from providing the basics (ie. listing tool to get the property published to 10+ major sites, scheduling tool to schedule viewings, tenant screening with comprehensive applications -- pulled reports from TransUnion, which include nationwide criminal background checks + credit checks + eviction history, digital lease creation tool, rent collection tool, and maintenance tracking tool), some services also offer your tenants waived ACH fees and additional capabilities which makes it an easier sell on your end when getting them to transition over (ie. their ability to report on-time rent payments to the credit bureaus; this can create an added incentive for making sure they pay that rent on time).

@Daniel Ditto First, self promotion is generally not allowed and each new post gets approved before it is published.

I would supplement @Russ Seiler's endorsement with a word of caution and a recommendation that you review any "creative tactics" gleaned with a tax accountant and/or attorney before putting them into play.There are still a number of "Rent to Own" providers in Canada who are operating in a manner that is "grey" and out of step with CRA publishings.  

(2) do any notices to creditors need to be sent or published before the property can be sold?

I'm sure I'm going to be on here very often asking for ideas but can't wait to start publishing successes from your help.

Notice of default (foreclosure).. constantly stay in their ear , from start to finish.6. discharged/dismissed bankruptcy cases (get from pacer)7.Tax lien sale- published in legal news papers when auctions come up8.

Somewhere around 2012, I was approached by a large publishing company that worked with one of our clients, an economist/author, to do a course on non-performing loan buying.

Also, First Tuesday Publishing sells a book on purchasing properties in default that's a bargain at under $50.If you try and do it all, you will quickly burn out and do nothing well.

My recommendation would be to start reading as much as you can here on BP, and try to get a little bit of general background on the house flipping process before you try to dig in to specifics like finding out if it's in a flood zone.BP publishes two great books on the topic (disclosure: I'm the author):http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookYou would likely find those very helpful if you're just getting started flipping...

Here, not only should the tenant get a copy of every signed document (lease, addendums, rules, Lead Based Paint (LBP) disclosure from the LL, and check-in/check-out forms) if the property was built before 1979, they should have received a HUD published pamplet about protecting your family from LBP hazards.