The big home buyers have cut their buying significantly and are now in selling mode to get rid of their lower performing properties.Another tid bit I heard from an oil exec, they are conserving cash to buy the small guys as they fail in this low oil price market.

Just don't get tempted by the "patch towns" with the low prices.

I’m wondering if I can hire someone who isn’t licensed and, if so, what are the duties that person could perform.

I work as a musician and would love nothing more than to be able to invest in real estate and have the time to perform music for people.

Banks have new teeth too, for delaying a foreclosure by someone attempting to stall or say they are buying or whatever when they can't perform in the first place paying off the mortgage.

Perform regular detailed inspections.

I would suggest you purchase performing mortgage notes that an experienced lender has created and get a return of 12% through your IRA rather than potentially making a big mistake.  

However, I worked as a property manager on a property in midtown Manhattan and am familiar with getting struggling properties performing. 

If the buyer doesn't perform, the lender (aka seller) gets the house. 

Buyer shall obtain all necessary permits from local government authorities to perform such repairs or additions."