I have immersed myself in the podcasts and books for the last month or so, and I think the best way to start out is networking.

I'm very familiar with the area I've done two projects in the last couple years there I've also lived there for about 15 years so I know the market pretty well.

Lastly a couple months of vacancy to cover if you loose your tenants.

But if you want to wholesale the property to another investor, then contact a local RE Agent to give you a list of all the houses in that neighborhood that have sold in the last 5 years with all cash.

If there is a "grace" period, does anyone know how long it lasts or does it vary? 

My group has purchased over 50 properties at the Courthouse steps the last few years.

        If you have been reading about the market of Whole Sales pertaining to housing. Is this another "Me Too" type of a deal where we see that a company comes up with a good business idea and there are then thirty ...

Last two were where real meat is, especially the "Foreclosure Property Information".  

One of the local REI groups had a HML speak to the group some time ago (within last year) so the answer to your question is they are out there. 

The roof was replaced last year.