When renting in areas that attract the wrong type of renters I make it clear that I will be screening all applications, there is a fee and what ever else makes sense and is legal.

I think you are better off saving some money free & clear to use.If you take any money out of your home to invest, I would be very, very cautious.

otherwise- we'd all be doing it I imagine..So that is a clear advantage and reason to have a license and be an investor.

My record has been pretty clear.

The ONLY thing, and let me state this as clearly as I can...

Typically this might include a full months rent in advance or other fees.They will most likely ask for your financial information to clear you prior to accepting an application such as this.

As to what you should be looking for, well that is the danger in buying at sheriff sale, first you must make sure you are buying the first lien, this does not even guarantee you will be getting a free and clear title.

It's a tiny bit lengthy, as I was trying to ask the right questions and provide a clear outlook on my situation, in order to get a better response.

Someone that owns a property though free and clear can still do seller financing though with out going through a mortgage originator.Is anyone still doing seller financed residential deals?

A couple years ago in California we were able to clear 100K on a rehab project with sitting on it for 6 months.