You can also write off expenses such as property management, insurance, repairs, etc.

This would likely take coordination with a tenant at some point - (ie - plenty of notice to them that they must vacate in order for you to sell the property)Since your current home is free and clear -  you could do a cash out refi or take out a new mortgage on the new house to be able to buy your paren't house and pay off the mortgage.  

Some of those round thermostats still have an on/off switch, and some are AC/heat so the tenant could flip it to AC to keep heat off But I second the other point @George Paiva made - how can you be certain the heat isn't on?

If indeed it is stated that the second lien foreclosure is subject to the first, then no, the first will NOT be paid off. 

The secret to dominating the world of off-market acquisitions isn’t about delivering a slick pitch or being pushy—it’s about becoming the trusted, go-to problem solver that sellers want to work with.

It really seems like the forums have been off for the last few months I've been reading them. 

However, anything that impacts functionality like plumbing, HVAC, or safety issues should be handled before listing to avoid turning off potential renters/buyers.If you’re re planning to lease it, tenants will expect everything to be move-in ready before signing.

Judges will sign off on it, but any judgment obtained by a method of service that is not allowed is void.

Any tips on how to maximize my time on this platform are greatly appreciated! 

I bought a brand new in the box $285 microwave off Facebook marketplace today for $35.