Next step is to find a better source of leads ;)That's not a lead.

First you need to understand your state's foreclosure process (judicial or statutory) and posting/recording requirements.Then go to the source of where these proceedings happen.  

We have a number of renovations planned for the dental office space, which would benefit us much more if we owned the building as well.I mostly need to know what questions to be asking or critical information I may be missing, I don't want to buy something that ends up costing us money in the long run, just for the sake of being our own landlords. 

I am curious now so I will check into it with the sources I know, when I get a chance.

Finding your first opportunity, analyzing your first deal, finding your first source of funds (financing) and of course closing on your first property. 

This is why it's critical for real estate investors to use real estate savvy CPAs.

Don't let $50 be the source of ill will.

However I know some bougtique fellows that are not realtors will use their sourcing ability and their rehab ability and bring you a deal at cost with a pretty small mark up  usually less than a sales commish to an outside agency.. so there is that program as well.. need cash for that.. in the old days I used to do the Hardmoney loan to help you buy and rehab but most of us lenders won't do that for newbie or out of state investors anymore risk are to high.But get on line check out all the different companies there are 100's  and there are probably 30 plus viable markets ...

My partners and I have made this mistake ourselves, once you open the company you have to keep it open and in absence of a deal that will be out of pocket.As for finding funding for your deals, local Real estate clubs are great and BP is a good source also.

It is a highly overrated information source.