They are heavily capitalized and ready to do the work to find the right deal and work with local & reputable agents.

Since this is my first go around - I'd really appreciate advice on the following:- any references on lawyers /firms to work with to go through the Barment and foreclosure process without breaking the bank.- Ball park ranges - what can I expect the cost of this process to be?

The accuracy depends on the quality and recency of their data in your market.

I had no trouble filling my rooms and the house appreciated for $10K over purchase price, the tenants are paying utilities. 

Quote from @Evan Price: Own a duplex in the Mt.

I've even heard of GCs using auction type settings for returned items at Home Depot and Lowes for steep discounts.I've learned a lot about the GC game as I was up close to over 40 projects last two years and some went well and some did not and when they did not it was all Contractor related.If a GC isn't sourcing cheap materials at the same time milking the hell out of his 150-200 per day workers, then you can find yourself eating into your margins real fast. 

Remain responsible for rent, utilities, and other terms until a replacement tenant takes over.#2 can be a bad option in the middle of winter when renters are harder to find.

For the most part I’ve had a good experience with them.

@Michael Plaks Thanks for the shout out! 

Would love to see the finished product, looks like yall did well on the flip!!