As @Steve Babiak has stated notice is foremost consideration in both Sheriff Sales mortgages and tax sales. 

Or if there are details or considerations that you could offer, again, I would be appreciative.Dave

Close to schools, low crime, etcLooking for an investor with: 80,000Foreclosed Home: 60-70KRepairs: 10-20KLawyer, Realtor fees, etc: 5,000So the question is, what else do I need to take into consideration.

Please, when marketing to these people, take into consideration what they are going through.

As long as you talk to the appraiser and explain the situation, they should take your input into consideration.

Income-wise I could qualify for both properties without rental income being taken into consideration. 

The quality of materials is a key consideration when I'm rehabbing for rental.  

I am planning to jump into my first deal, but if it's the height of the market, should I hold off or will I be unaffected if I still get a deal where the numbers work right now?

The one thing to take into consideration, that I didn't realize until a few months ago, is that dental insurance is the real money pit.

That's why I think paying $8,000 right off the top is a little extreme not to mention it will cut into my profit considerably.