I do frequently walk new properties to see new trends, get ideas for rehabs and scope out the competition.I'm not that patient lol :)

A potential issue that occurs more frequently than most rental markets is turnovers.

We cover about half of the area you are considering (Harrisburg / Pottstown / Reading / Lancaster / Lebanon / York), and frequently use all of the data we can access to help buyers make sure their rent estimate are accurate since it's such a key part of the buying decision.  

This topic is a frequent discussion here on the forum, I would suggest you do some search using this keyword and you can learn by reading previous conversations.

If you have 2k to play with go to the casino and play with it, buy some penny stocks to play with.

It's maybe a better solution for repatriations than Indian casinos, but it makes it more difficult to know where to buy and I'm sure there are many land use restrictions that go along with it...

Vacancy cost in that rent range would actually be higher than normal because you will have more frequent turnover since the typical tenant will be a corporate relocation who is renting for a year while they look for a place to purchase.  

I haven't spent any money there, but hear them say frequently that you can learn in their two day workshop what it would take 10 years to learn without it.

It could be an OWNER ORDERED sale - sellers today are using the auction method of marketing more frequently - sellers don't want to wait for an agents to sell their property, it usually takes much longer and subject to contingencies - The auction method is FAST -ALL CASH - AS IS CONDITION - agents can't do that - but a good auction company with skills in marketing can sell any house within 2-3 weeks for all cash.As an auctioneer I have seen owner ordered auctions go higher than expected - since there are no commissions or settlement cost - sellers can sell for less and fast.As to your auction - you need to talk to the auctioneer to find out what the terms are - the deposit - will the title be free and clear.

I frequently see solicitations online.