The neighborhood is Nob Hill which is one of the most expensive and desired neighborhoods in the city/country.

It could be everything from a court order to sell, or a Quiet Title Action (you need an attorney for this one) to needing an affidavit or two, to "you are good to go "as is" (I wouldn't expect the last option to be the case.

@Joseph J Deza Midwest would be your best bet.Because you can still find cheap and cash flowing properties as compared to rest of the country.

Ask yourself what would a judge/jury think if they took you to court?

My lawyer has been brief and said its still waiting to be stamped by the court.

Google may help I know there are several other groups that do tax auctions around the country.

I would call around the country to dealers and tell them you want it drop shipped .

I'm curious to know, for those of you who have experience with long distance investing (from a different country or out of state), what has been the biggest struggle for you and how did you overcome it? 

Court filings and decisions are readily available public information, and the short sale agent can see what needs to be done to hold off a foreclosure.

Anyone had experience in buy/hold on country/small town properties.