Great that you joined the site!

I would at least look at the deals on those sites before you invest.I love syndication, if you are just jumping in I think it is a great way to invest.   

So far I believe I found only occupied property (not vacant land) on the county sites and it is confusing, it shows a person name and shows delinquent, but when you look at the tax history, it shows they owe $0 and everything is paid up. 

But check out Cozy.co - its a simple online payment/tenant portal site.

Regarding contingency offers - Out of state investors seems growing trend, and so do you see a way to offer incentive, or compensation to boots on ground to do viewing, video, and then confidently make offer w/o seeing it during due diligence yourself..

I got a call from the neighbor that their was an ambulance on my job site.

It is a great site for learning and contributing all things REI and you are in a good area for investing.

I have heard of some misrepresentations on the auction sites. 

Not fair at all, but MA wants all rentals lead safe and they're doing everything they can to get them that way.With all that being said, check your state laws, not the EPA site.

Welcome to the site @Mark Baldwin