Once you have personally looked at a BUNCH (some say 100 is a good number) of houses in your area, you will have the market value down cold.I firmly believe you should not skip over this step before you make an offer.

In your next deal, would you let someone else step into the middle of things?

I'm in the process of taking that first step out into the wholesaling world.

My next step will be networking.

@Ryan Slicer,Your step father is technically not a disqualified person, however I suggest you have experienced professional review all details of this transaction to make sure that it is truly arms length. 

Whoever records the lien first has Senior/First Lien status all other liens are Junior to the First/Senior lien.There are some Super Liens that jump in line for some states like HOA, Municipality and Tax Liens for example.Hope this helps.Jeff VIn Oregon a properly filed materialman lien is a super lien.. not sure I know any other state that is the case.. so contractors who are on the ball and go through the proper steps to have a valid mechanics pre lien .. if it becomes a lien it jumps in front and the lender will cure.. ask me how I know  LOL 

I joined because I needed the flexibility to get training and support outside of my day job - and didn't want to pay desk or franchise fees for an office I'd hardly step foot in.  

I think @Brian Garrett is referencing "courthouse steps" type of foreclosure auctions - and in that case most often the lender buys the property back.

Any stepped construction programs available?  

Finding a mentor and learning the business is an excellent first step.