Would it all just be mostly the same: general background check (including prior evictions, lawsuits, etc), credit check, income verification, landlord references?

Norm,What you want to do is look online for your county tax assessor site.

this is due to historically outstanding rent growth, overall far better tenant than most other markets due to the housing shortage (San Diego ranks near bottom in nation in both delinquent rent and evictions), and property taxes being near fixed rate.  

Was looking for some better ideas for tax planning, and saw this one, but then wondering now how much money I need bring to table.I also have another house I could sell, and maybe 1031 exchange with like 300k equity in it, so not sure if that would help.

Forced appreciation, appreciation, tax savings, principal paydown and (the most valuable in my opinion) experience. 

Assuming he/she does not sell the property at the end of 10 years, at that point will taxes be owed on the property's appraised value?

Thanks to the Cost Segregation Study, the property investors were able to reclassify the property components and accelerate their depreciation for a total of $356,000 in the first year.The use of the accelerated depreciation strategy helps real estate investors to reduce the tax liability immediately which therefore increases their bottom line due to the offsetting of income.

That way increases in costs of insurance, property taxes, etc are passed onto the tenant. 

(yes, I will check with my tax professional also)

Is there anyone on here in the Brevard, Orange, or Volusia county area that has gone through the tax deed auction process?