One of the suggestions was a hotel style unit that is installed in the wall, typically below a window.

Use below to build your foundation.

What methods, websites, lists etc. do you use for finding properties below market value?

@Rhonda Jones Yes, rents would be lower than Philly, but should still cash flow.  

I personally find these to be incredibly helpful from a learning perspective and tremendously motivating to get out there and make something happen.If this sounds interesting, leave some basic info below about your deal and I'll send you a PM to follow up.

As far as not being able to get below market value, well that's true, but as I expect appreciation to occur, in a year or three I will have made up for the net-loss up front, and over time hopfully the newer materials, mechanicals, and transparency of the house (e..g, no furniture to get in the way of inspections) will pay dividends in the bottom line.

However a good property will also attract many bidders and your lien yield may be lower than the maximum rate.You have to accept in a tax lien investment that you don't know when it will be paid off.

Buy the house at a good price (less than what you think is a good deal), double your renovation/expense budget, price it slightly below market value to try and get multiple offers.

Because investments might have to be sold in the future, you also want to buy for prices below the comps ...

I've actually found some reasonable (SFH) properties in Connecticut by auction, that are below $100k, and that are not in a distressed zip code.These folks on BP seem to be willing and talented to explain the finer details of real estate investing.