I am in search of a Realtor in the area that has experience estimating repair/rehab costs, since I have 0 experience with this...I'm generally looking in the 145-180k for ARV , and 1.4k - 1.6k for rents. 

I've been searching for just about 2 years, the closest we've come to getting one was a bidding war on a duplex near Duke (we lost - by a lot).This would be our first home and I'm wondering if any of the folks at BP have some suggestions for us? 

Start with a neighborhood or zip code to focus on, check with realtors on where other investors are lookingTax delinquent propertiesLocal assessor to get contact info - see description belowMay be best to just get a plot of landMortgage delinquent propertiesLocal County Court - ask for “Notices of Default”County Recorder - http://www.netronline.com/ search via zip code for foreclosuresContact Lenders - ask to speak with who handles foreclosures3.Go through a wholesaler******* This could potentially save you massive amounts of time and headache1.

I have seen the same questions posted by innumerable people called "newbies" who apparently haven't taken the time to do a Search in the cute little "Search Window" above for answers to the most basic of questions.

Have you gotten any further in your search and education with buying code violation leads?

I think u should separate all these questions and go one by one searching in the forum and it will help but the thing that is going to help u most is calling all the mortgage banks and asking who does 203k loans and get direct referrals from them.

In search of good contractors for renovations on porches, patios, kitchen, bathroom, drywall, flooring, painting etc.

Search the PA Municipal Authorities Act if you want to review.      

I think you are trying to talk yourself out of this and will be sorry a year from now when you are still searching for the "perfect deal". 

I am in the search for this right now also, so best of luck.