Does anyone know if in Maryland, for the auctions that happen on the county courthouse steps, have the foreclosure deeds on each property already been executed or is there typically still a waiting period to have this done?  

@Par Attaran First of all you are doing the right first steps, asking questions and seeking advice from others.  

I am eager to learn and I have been listening to pod casts so I decided to get to the next step and sign up to pick the brains of the pros! 

Might just need to move on for now, seller may have some challenges to overcome in selling it - and it could still be available when we have a more clear timeline.  

I could see depreciation lives lengthened and the ability to 1031 and then pass off stepped up basis assets to heirs eliminated.I think most investors are in denial about this.  

I own two and it's a challenge, especially in the off-season.  

@Lee Behr I started going to the courthouse steps auction about a year ago and have bought 8 houses that way so far and I'm very much still in learning mode.

Very interested in learning more about rental properties and taking the dive.Also interested in learning more about the challenges serial investors have to see if there's opportunity for technology to improve the process.Can't wait to learn more about the industry and to start our first project.

And if you screen them yourself, do not neglect the important step of conducting a thorough rental history - not only evictions but look for a history of late pays and screen for three day notices issued by previous landlords. 

Next step is the tenant screening process.