The credit report will reveal specific weaknesses... hone in on the ones that relate to being able to be a successful tenant.I wouldn't pass on them because of the reasons you stated.

This is all they are entitled to collect, any money above that balance goes to the owner, or subordinate liens.2) if they realize the property is not worth nearly what they are owed, they can bid up to a number lower than what they are owed, realizing they will never get the full amount owed.Sometimes, when these bank bid numbers are known/advertised, it will result in skewed bid results.....here bidding starts at $100, if the bank reveals they are bidding up to $180k (amount owed), on a property worth $100k, then no one bothers bidding, so the banks "buys it" for $100.Don't understand your reference to "doesn't the bank have a liability of $140k"?

Welcome to Bigger Pockets Account Closed You will get a variety of answers to your question depending on who you ask.

Networking with a variety of people in your market is another suggestion of his, but sounds like you're on the right track to find alternative ways to find the deals you want.  

@Jon Pacitto, You can choose to tell your tenant you manage the unit without revealing you're the owner.

Oh, the $10.00 recording is often used in a variety of States that allow for this. 

You'll need a variety of perspectives to make good decisions in choosing your location.Best of luck!

But most will not gift away free resources to begginers for variety of reasons. 

It will help you to know there are many forums available on a wide variety of subjects.

It sits on an acre lot in an older neighborhood (variety of houses of different sizes).