It's a seller's market and getting deals is harder now, so you want to make it easy for anyone getting your letters to reach you, whichever way they choose. 

If the Tenant has not replied to any text messages, could it be that they are having problems with their cell phone?  

Welcome Carla,Much success to you, whichever direction you decide to take, just pray about it first and let God guide your heart.

I've subscribed to realtytrac.com, foreclosures.com and foreclosure.com, not much difference among them for my state (CA) at least.And yes, the best info is at the courthouse or recorder's office - whichever is applicable in your state.

Whichever road you pursue, you have a wealth of information here on the forums.  

Sometimes it is outrageous cell phone plans.

However, since tenant also provided their credit report, I could analyze the situation and note they were not just ignoring cell phone bills, utilities, credit cards, etc., but that a hospital had them in collection.Since providing their own report costs nothing but time, all the serious applicants have provided them without complaint.

Whichever way can get me the best start in my REI career is what I'm looking for.

But if they are seeking to hold a property for any length of time and want their cash investment back there are some important rules to understand with conventional loan:If you buy a property with cash (or with a HELOC) you can receive a cash out loan on Day 1.There is not a 6 month waiting period with receiving a cash out loan if you purchased a home with cash or with a HELOCBUT you will be limited to the amount of….Your purchase price + closing costs (costs when you purchased the home)OR75% of the “After Repair Value”…WHICHEVER IS THE LOWER AMOUNT (super important)These rules are important to understand so here are two examples:Example 1: If you purchased a home with $50k of cash, and put $30k of renovations into the loan, and the home was worth $100k. 75% is $75k and $50k is your purchase price.

Once you put the home in service, you can write off Depreciation, repair cost, maintenance, advertising, supplies, tools, taxes, insurance, mortgage interest, travel exp, home office (take precaution) cell phone usage.