Can someone tell me if banks are legally required to attempt to sell foreclosed properties at a courthouse auction before attempting other methods (like REO, online auction, or direct to investor)?  

(b)  The commission shall have the power to refuse a license for cause or to suspend or revoke a license where it has been obtained by false representation or by fraudulent act or conduct, or where a licensee, in performing or attempting to perform any of the acts mentioned herein, is found guilty of:     (1)  Making any substantial and willful misrepresentation;     

I attempted to "claim" the property and edit on Zillow, but was hit with this message:Since your home is listed by an agent, you will not be able to make changes to it.

Like many media headline attention grabbing titles this one attempts to overstate the case in my opinion.

What has been conveyed to me is that even after cleaning and running with baking soda and other attempts to get the smell out it will not abate. 

Some of the items in your list (such as net passive loss allowance, steppped up basis upon inhertiance, and section 1031 exchanges) have been in the federal tax code so long that any attempt to delete them may face fierce opposition. 

I understand that after attempting to look on this forum to search for a mentor is prohibited.

Since they are yours, once the moratoriums are lifted, remove them.You need to attempt to heal the relationship with the tenant the best you can and hope they pay. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, one answer I was attempting to find for my self now is how does one typically finance such an undertaking?

Do lots of research, and get a good team together before you attempt a flip.