Make sure to check out the Bigger Pockets Blog: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/It is full of great information.

I've tried looking through public records on my county's website before (to look for liens etc.) but it is hard to find anything, especially when the seller is an entity that owns a lot of properties like banks and HUD.

I want to end up owning enough rentals and commercial building to live off of so I can start working on my other company full time and not having to work for someone else.What path has the best chance of getting me to the path fastest?

The point as I see it is that an additional ELOC or refi of the FIRST one will put a strain on ITS cash flow, but so long as it isn't a negative flow, the amount cashed out should easily be able to act as the full deposit for the second, so the rest could be fairly conventional.And of course, the second one needs to have a SIMILAR order of built-in equity, and so on!...

Foreclosures can vary in length of time.

I actually purchased my first home before the age of 30 in CA, and invested in several REIT companies (some I worked for previously as VP) including American Homes 4 Rent, Public Storage, and a few others including retail property portfolios. 

The Bigger Pockets book store if full of great books: https://www.biggerpockets.com/store

I would avoid the City of Detroit as many banks will not finance homes due to the lack of reliable public and utility services. 

I am joining BiggerPockets to obtain and further enhance my knowledge regarding Real Estate practices as well as meeting new faces that I can hope to provide assistance of my own as well as gain knowledge from them and their experiences.My expertise includes being involved in Public Relations and having worked in the Public Sector for many years.

They partner with Smart Property Systems which provides full service property management software with double entry accounting.