keep it for the rents or flip for the quick cash. the neighborhood is ok walkable close to NYC i go into this part of town to look at properties and there is aways multiple offers on them. this time i win 

The other option that you can use for (Flooring, Lights, Appliances etc.) is charge on a HD or Lowes Card if you have one.

I said rent is what it is, that we didn't have an agreement to take anything off, however, I am willing to give him a gift card as a happy holidays/thank you.

I have also been in the field doing building inspections and updating assessors property record cards.

Having a license is NOT an encumbrance or road block to investing in real estate, unless you plan on doing things that are illegal or unethical, there are "those" "investors".A broker's license adds a bit more credibility to your business card, in reality that's about it as you are assumed to have greater knowledge than an agent in the public's eyes.

Excel wins by default

Be open and friendly, offer business cards, etc., but MOST IMPORTANTLY - - - - - - LISTEN!!!  

For example, in tax deed auctions in my state (California), the buyer's winning bid will pay the defaulted (past due) property taxes, but the buyer is also responsible to pay the current year's property taxes in full. 

She advised this was due to previous job loss and living off a credit card.  

They provide the service pretty much as what you described: find list of properties to be foreclosed, drive the properties and take photos, run preliminary title search to identify other liens, crunch numbers and go over the properties with investors prior to auction.They don't charge anything upfront until you win the bid on the auction.