It may not be a spectacular investment, since he bought it 'wrong'.

I bought for 334k and put down 5%.

I am working on gaining knowledge forming my own real estate team.I also recently just bought my current house with an FHA loan and rented out my old one.    

Then, head to the hardware store and lay in a supply of plastic drop cloths and blue painter’s tape.

:) But I’m brand new at this and just educating myself for the first time... so far the main criteria to finding a ‘proper deal’ I’m aware of is to make sure you but your property at a discount. (20% - 30% discount seems right but I’m sure practicing this is much more difficult than it sounds.) 

As @Michaela G. said, just go to court and let them know you just bought it and explain your timeline and plans.  

It is a townhouse we bought at the courthouse and luckily the rehab was just some drywall work, new floors, paint, appliance, and countertops.  

please tell me your secrets.7) cap ex. budget for it. yes you may have brand new systems, but brand new systems break down with time just as everything else. you may not ever see the bills, but i would make sure i was prepared for it.8) repairs, do not underestimate the the destructive ability of tenants.

I started my part time real estate investment adventure last year when I bought a duplex which I have been house hacking since.

Some are better at building a team brand, some are better at training the residential Realtor, and some allow you to be your own business and have a more of a DIY attitude.