We have done a tremendous amount of research to date, but are hoping to find some folks who are already succeeding to lend us some wisdom in exchange for shameless food based bribery.We have a solid background in property rehab and estimating and one of us knows a little about the law, but we could really use some advice from those of you who were actually able to stop researching - and start investing.Are there any investor-friendly agents or investing pro's out there who would be willing to set up some time to chat?   

Our first objective is to make enough income from rent to cover our expenses, and then move into a single-family home.

Looking to hearing from you and setting up some meetings for the next couple of weeks.Jimmy Shatara

The foreclosure process is complex and full of pitfalls, I would strongly suggest consulting with a Real Estate Attorney in your locality; depending on how your set up, you may be able to write off the expenses incurred in obtaing the legal advice. 

Different sets of repairs require different types of labor, but for the most part you’re going to want licensed contractors of some variety.

back taxes are a great list but be prepared to act quickly on something as they are under the gun to sell or redeem before a set day. 

My objective is to further educate myself on the real estate world for personal property purchases in the coming years.

Choose the most reasonable estimate (notice I did not say the cheapest) Now, you can set up a maintenance budget within your savings.

Strict pet policy no one ever objected to.

Waterloo would work as long as we are are talking at least 2 sets.