If you want to read the article yourself, let me know and I'll try and dig it back up from my history.

@Dawn Rodgers is 100% right - in this digital age, you NEED quality pictures of the property. 

Has anyone considered getting the digital thermostats and having them set so they can't go below a minimum temp?

A few years ago the local newspaper wrote an article naming that area as the "Murder Factory" of Kansas City.  

So why would someone with "guru money" throw that away to save 4 points and 12%.There is also the thought of just leveraging  your money to do double digit flips at a time.

Probably the best information about the economy of a particular area will come from area newspapers.

2) People are bidding on the loan being foreclosed,which is why every so often you'll read in the newspaper that a couple bought something at a FC sale thinking they got a great deal only to find out they still owe the first.You can bid any amount up to what you're owed including the fees you mentioned.

There are a few exceptions but the sale information is usually front page in the newspaper (Lane County) so anything that is decent, is bid at competitive auction (so not likely to be a great deal).

Post it on Craigslist and Zillow, the newspaper, Facebook and tell everyone you know that you are selling your house.I do recommend an MLS listing - I did a flat fee service once and had ok results.

With multifamily you can do passive investing and get double digit returns with not much work other than vetting the sponsor and the deal.