I'm a Canadian investor and like you have been experiencing the same issues in Ontario, I've started investing in the US where the tax climate is better, borrowing is much easier and evicting non-paying tenants is much more fair.

I give new agents or those desiring to get into real estate lists to call and then buy the deals they find. it works well. 

Lastly, connect with experienced investors and start small for a solid foundation in rental property investment.

You need someone who specializes in IRS representation and holds one of the two designations: EA (Enrolled Agent) or CPA.

Either way, I can help you find an excellent agent in any market in the country.

If you did miss the deadline, why wasn't your agent cognizant of the deadline?

In Philadelphia I would check with the seller or agent if they have a lease, if they do a standard eviction can take anywhere from 3-6 months to go through the great court system we have.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I would work with an investor-friendly agent who focuses on cold-outreach methods like cold-calling, cold-texting, etc to bring you off-market deals.

You might start with the agent that listed the home for sale as they typically know the players.