Once you hold the deed to the property you have now established a vehicle to cloud the title. 

My goal is to learn as much as I can over the coming months and looking forward to seeing you all on the forums=).Respectfully,John Lindenblad

You could try to get a low maintenance ground cover established in the areas that get weedy.

, if you get an FHA loan, abide by your contractual obligations.Now, for what to do as an investor: I disagree (respectfully) that buying your first investment via FHA is the "best way to start".

HVAC should be able to tell you on the phone, the others will have to see it.No buyer is gonna trust your numbers, but you need to know them to price your deal right and if you're actually on point you'll get a lot of respect.

This was true in 2007 and it's true now.Credibility is established by a track record and a personal relationship.

Those opportunities are drying up, so I may have to start marketing to establish a steady deal flow.

OR "Is this worth committing too knowing that I will have to spend less time with people I love and respect?"

I would like to begin to build a portfolio for the long term, while establishing additional income from cash-flow properties.  

Regardless of the established opening bid, the foreclosing bank will get up to their judgment amount, Then any extra becomes surplus, distributed as to state laws.