REO agent is a medium for the bank to put it on MLS.However, I am a realtor and can access MLS and REO websites, so if your not using an agent to represent yourself you may have to get ahold of the REO agent which can be difficult. 

I am new investor on the block with a desire to generate passive income to support family using RE investing to pursue other goals outside of RE.

If you don't have MLS access and some experience you do have to put some faith into that, but doesn't sound like you got justification for it.Also sounds like you took an agents estimate for repairs.  

I think a turn of a screw would fix those.One item stated fungus damage to rear patio roof rafters, blocking, support beam and post. 

Read Access by landlord below:https://tn.gov/consumer/documents/UniformResidenti...

My search is at a road block.

It was 1500 sq ft , block house, two car garage.

I live right across the street in some apartments and the area is little to no crime, convenient access to freeways and major roads.

If you really want to learn and do your taxes yourself, H&R Block has classes they teach for about $400-$500 every fall.  

(I'm in NYC, so the market can be totally different 1 block away)Case in point, we got a property under contract in Brooklyn, NY for $550,000 putting $25,000 as our earnest money.