http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/press/2015/tax-foreclosure-reform.pdfthis article is very informative: you can invest in tax deeds and foreclose on the owners.

@Andrew LittonSomebody should at least point out here that judging by his other work, this plumber isn't the sort of guy you want to work with over the long haul.You have what looks like a rather expensive straight-to-stud base+surround with two benches for your shower and all he put in as a shower was a generic two-knob valve with a generic shower nozzle.

And that get's more and more pressing the longer that goes on. 

https://oksenate.gov/press-releases/bill-signed-crack-down-i...I started investigating to invest in Tulsa and other cities of this state.

@Leah Klint, on the private side, I think you will be hard pressed to find anyone going in with 30+ yr olds upfront.  

That being said though you'd be hard pressed to get any good work done for $14/hr. 

Is there at least a "bench mark" of 70%o r 80% of what you believe the value of the home should be when evaluating sending offers?  

To address your pressing issue rental application and lease see my thoughts below.Rental Application - You can get several rental application templates online and here on BP.

Since then he has sold 15 homes this year and the clock is still....I don't know your financial situation but, the lease option will provide you with a nice $15-$20k down payment that you can apply to the more pressing expenses and try to re-coop any losses on the property by selling it with solid tenants in place.

NOLO Press has a good website and many legal self help books.