It seems like a good plan but concerned about cost and also are they just making money on getting others to sign up (Pyramid Scheme) or are they truly investing   

It is evident that the owner may have been a "do it yourself" kind of guy, so I'm concerned it isn't permitted or zoned. 

They are under no obligation to counter you or even respond.If you are that concerned, why not just contact them and ask nicely whats going on since you notice its still listed as active.

They say they are responding to customer concerns. 

Concerning average number per state, what are the top states for buying tax lien certificates?

i've been looking at some in Philly but I'm concerned as some look so old and tarnished.

For example if you owned property in Montana in an LLC, then you may, in fact, need a property managers license (or brokers license) to manage it by yourself.Similarly, most judges would not allow you to proceed with an eviction, since you would be technically representing your company, not yourself - so you would have to get an attorney to do the eviction.Agreed that the mortgage doe not make a difference.If you are concerned about this may be worth checking with a local RE attorney on the legalities of different types of RE ownership.

That's always a concern up north. 

If you address these and similar concerns up front as Brent suggested, it will help avoid an ugly situation in the future.

Details:*Willing to spend ~$180k; Prepared to put 20% down on a Grand Rapids rental property*Not seeking a fixer*Will need to hire a property management company Goals: The obvious: passive incomeDuplex, triplex or single family w guest unitPurchase a home with tenants already occupying and generating rental income Top-of-mind concerns:*Winters in MI wear and tear on roof, pipes*Cost of property management, costs to heatTenant selection, How-to from Los Angeles to MI*Offer / escrow process How-to from Los Angeles to MI