There are advantages and disadvantages, but be prepared to be very frustrated, and SHOP FOR A LENDER.

Generally, your real estate agent will prepare the contract.

In my experience junk haulers usually try to rip you off, so if you go that route be prepared for outrageous bids.

Prepare to break even or have to leave some money in the deal on the first few especially at a distance as you find good contractors and understand who is giving good advice and who just wants the job.

We have been doing a lot of reading and preparing to jump in on our first deals which we hope to purchase our first investment property in the next few months using the BRRR method.

Instead of leaving the house vacant, we are purchasing in a fantastic STR market, so we will prepare it for rentals and list it through Airbnb, etc.Now, I am not sure how this STR income will affect us when we sell the house (completing the live-in flip). 

Some of you may have been fearless or fearful on your first attempt at buying through the court auction.i made a deposit and I am prepared to spend up to 30k ,and then pay off the past due delinquent taxes.

Some even go broke or bankrupt trying to prepare for sales that never materialize.  

No amount of learning/mentors can prepare you for the real thing.Find a way to finish the job properly.

So you will need patience and be prepared to make the absolute best offer for the seller to accept yours over others.