In order to get the pre foreclosure list you will either need to buy the list from a third party provider or talk to the city about it.

Should we aim for more rural or go to the cities? 

The only issue is using this method, one city in LA county would cost me the whole tax delinquent roll from the county itself. any suggestions? 

Now I'm thinking about selling and wondering if it is worth it to come clean and go forward with the city on making it legal vs ripping it all out and going back to a 1/2 bath?

I (like many I'm sure) am interested in delayed financing where I can put rehab costs on the HUD.  See this recent article if you don't know what I'm talking about:https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/work-with......

I'm partial to big Cities (as I live in one).

In Baltimore City it is called a "Lien Sheet" and cost $55. 

List the cities that are near you and let them know you'd be willing to meet them close to where they are if you are willing to travel a little bit.These little meetings which cost you a few bucks, will be the best meetings you could have for learning how other investors have bought out of town. 

Does anyone know a good contractor in Birmingham area that can refer me to?

My name is Te'Erinn Chenvert and I am currently an accounting student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and I’ll be graduating the Spring of 2019.