I am new to actively engaging the site.

Engage often and contribute wherever you can...and I'm sure you'll find this is an extremely helpful resource in your RE journey!

(Zach got engaged recently everyone!)

However, the trustee may be able to challenge the tax foreclosure due to, e.g., improper service of process. 

It's all about supply and demand and how much the seller values what the buyer's agent brings to the table.In the event where the company found you, engaged with you, then at the last minute you wanted to being in your own agent it's doubtful they would value what the agent is bringing to the table very much as they have for the most part already procured the sale.

If you can master this area, you may have little (legal) competition.The above is provided for discussion only, and, to the extent it could be construed as advice or counsel, should not be relied upon without first engaging competent legal counsel for your particular jurisdiction and legal issues. 

We have a very unique real estate market here and for outside investors and those that haven't lived here for a while it can be a real challenge...

From where i stand I see the biggest challenge is finding deals which seems to be in scarce supply in todays market - i guess i will just have to work the channels like everyone else. 

Not exactly sure where you're at in your journey, but some things I would recommend are:Read Brandon Turner's book on Rental Property Investing https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/rental-investing-digitalRead David Greene's book on long distance investing https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/long-distance-real-estate-investing-ebookListen to the BP Real Estate podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastListen to the BP money podcast https://www.biggerpockets.com/moneyshowAttend your local REIA meetings to networkStart analyzing deals to get practice running the numbersKeep engaging on the BP forums and make connections!

They are not just concerned about whether you would win if someone came back to challenge the title, They are concerned that it will cost them to defend the title even though they know they will win.