When you buy an REO you are getting the property at a discount and as such, you also are expected and in some cases required to take on additional expenses that you normally would not have to. 

Put a code on front door and tenants can leave keys behind with easy access to other tenants.

It is also good practice to talk with a RE atty so as to stay out of any grey areas, but thank you for that code of law.Be kind and smile!

If these properties will be used for some sort of charity I will give you a discount.

Remember cash is King and Owner financing is better.Understand creative financing, always ask for owner financing, possession, subornation, substitution of collateral, delayed settlement and discounts for early pay off.Offer less - guarantee your equity profit - some say, "If you are not embarrassed with your offer, you are offering too much!"

I just had a question about how to go about getting tax delinquent leads and code violation leads from the courthouse.  

Don't be afraid to as for the proof or code references that back up the opinions given.   

I have been bidding on real estate auction for years and done well, here are some suggestions that may help you:Here are some things to consider when attending an auction - helpful hints.Preview properties with an auction associate if possible.Make a pre-auction offer(to avoid the competition).Ask for known details (zoning, tenancy, existing financing, code violations, taxes, comparable sale info/comps, will seller finance?)

Do you think it is lack of inventory or lack of reality of buyers thinking they are going to get giant discounts or equity whether they are purchasing a foreclosure and have to fix it up or buy from an owner occupant?  

Camera has to have date code in the photos and a few gigabytes of storage for the property files.