@Colin Smith Hey Colin, how can I go about obtaining that information? 

You need to obtain a tax certificate/tax deed and once you have maintained the property for 3 years from the date of the tax sale, then you can file a quiet title action to convert the tax deed into a marketable title. 

In other words, I just need a good guesstimate on:  1) the likelihood of obtaining quality financing on these types of investments.  2) An estimate of what kind of mortgage rate such a property would be likely to carry.Thanks! 

Is this my responsibility or will the electrician be able to obtain the permit for me? 

My biggest fear is obtaining funding. 

I am currently licensed in PA, looking to obtain my license in AL and start in the Multi-Family Investment market.

I have considered what you are suggesting, I'm just trying to find ways to get funds without having it affect any of the conventional loans I'm obtaining.

Depending on the REO bank you might be able to obtain investor financing for 15% versus 20 - 30%.Example: Waterstone bank might finance property in-house for _% down with credit check.Is the Property vacant?

The real reason I'm considering obtaining a license is that there are way more mediocre agents out there than the great ones. 

If your argument is that you don't feel like subjecting yourself to overbearing licensure fees, general fees, more fees, etc from a governing body just to obtain a 'license', that's a different conversation...though I doubt you will find much sympathy in that regard either.Just do it, what do you have to lose?