One thing I would say is that given your capital resources, your best bet is probably going to be a Joint Venture type situation with an individual seller.

If you figure out that a Hard money capital source is your best bet...give me a c all

You bet Gulliver, good luck.

I'm not a very experienced investor but I don't think taking a high interest loan and betting on appreciation is a good strategy.

PDF is a pretty safe bet; there is so much stuff floating around in PDF that either Windows 20 and Mac iOS XX will still come with a PDF reader, or whatever they do come with will have an "import PDF" option. 

If you have a sprinkler system, there is a chance that the tenants won't water the lawn as much but I will bet it will be more than if you didn't have a sprinkler system.When you're leasing your house, don't be afraid to negotiate with the tenants so they will not damage the house as much.  

I am not betting my financial future on it.

I bet you could pay a GC to give you a replacement cost valuation.  

@Bob RoachOf the places you mention, I think PA is your best bet.  

I bet your state has a foreclosure rescue hot line.. you might get some guidance there as well