Reading around I found that I could look into HUD homes and foreclosures, for financing I also read that you can use up to 10k from your 401k to finance your first home.I'm looking to see if anyone has had a similar experience or any advice regarding the strategies I've spoken about. 

What is the process for delinquent taxes in your county (some sell tax certificates, some hire a law firm to collect, some put a lien on the property but don't pursue foreclosure)9.

These are pre-foreclosure and tax distressed properties.  

or a foreclosure?  

So I searched around and found that the property is in pre-foreclosure but I cant find the homeowner just some old addresses and phone numbers that lead nowhere.

Just want to know is buying foreclosure a good way to start out.

I am looking to purchase a foreclosure in Wichita that needs quite a bit of work and I am looking for a recommendations on a General Contractor that can give me an estimate.

I had wondered what would happen in the event a spiteful owner signed 10 year leases for $1/mo just prior to losing a property to foreclosure.  

If its an occupied foreclosure where the bank "knows nothing" and there are "no interior inspections - do not disturb tenants", at least visually inspect the exterior for signs of deferred maintenance and look for signs of occupancy like an empty mailbox @7pm, lights on, car tracks in snow, prior to making your offer. 

Have you tried any direct mail marketing, talking to wholesalers, networking events, checking public records for foreclosures, or even calling 'For Rent' signs and asking if they'd want to sell?