But that wasn't even my first encounter with real estate implosion due to overleveraging.

Further to @Shawn Clark's point, if you don't have easy access, one way to tell if a property has been winterized is to look at the MLS listing photos.If there are small signs or tags that are taped on sinks, toilets, dishwashers, etc, those normally are signs stating the the water is off and that the property has been winterized.Around here, they're usually neon green or orange stickers with a few that are just white slips of paper. 

Do you ever encounter anything like this?

This is a common situation that I encounter and is easily resolvable by anyone who understands the process.

After wholesaling a LOT of deals, one of the questions I encounter from beginner wholesalers is "How do you sell houses?"

I have begun to encounter REOs being sold subject to the following: 24 CFR 206.125.

Time will tell...some unreasonable sellers become reasonable when they truly have to sell (or when they encounter someone they are interested in selling to).

@Dalmar Segrest-Brooks Super frustrating, and all of us have encountered the same problem somewhere along the line. 

Also, make sure to ask any questions you have here on BP because I am sure someone has encountered it before!

Even though it can be a part of this business, it is still almost always going to be a challenge getting occupants out because of the different ways that different occupants will react.So maybe that will help out somebody who encounters something similar.This last bit is advice that another sheriff sale buyer and I both concurred upon.