@Ben MMix some bleach and baking soda to create a paste and apply to the moldy areas with a cheap paint brush.

:In PA, and in other states, auctions can mean different things.There are private auctions where I just choose to sell my home in an auction scenario (I actually think this is pretty common in Australia - maybe someone from Oz and chime in on that).Auctions can also refer to the compelled or forced sale of a property by the State/County for various reasons.I assume you are asking about the 2 most common forced sales - foreclosures (failure to pay your mortgage, bank sues and the Sherriff sells your home to satisfy the bank) and tax sales (failure to pay your taxes and the State/County sells your home to satisfy your tax bill).I have not participated in the PA foreclosure and tax sale business in 20 years, so things may have changed, but if someone here is more up to date maybe they can correct my answer with new info.Both types of sales have their own areas of risk that you need to educate yourself on.Value is a top issue - you need to know how much the home is really worth before you get into any of the below. 

It's not the market I would choose to invest in, but it’s the one we’re in.

I looked around to see if this question has already been posted but couldn't find anything.I know a lot of people say that painting brick is a bad idea since you have to re-apply paint every ten years or whatever.

I’m looking for one to do some work to turn a rental property - replace shower/tub plumbing and retile it in a bathroom, carpet, paint, and some dry wall replacement.

Looking to get a conversation started on choosing an out of state market.

As in carpet and paint and maybe some appliances.

If you are looking to buy 50K houses, that doesn't exist in your state, but those investments tend to be risky and best suited for experienced, local operators.Hi Brian,I wouldn't necessarily agree that due to a population decline in a state or city that's it's not a good investment.The micro economics paint a different picture than what can be found out online via research.There are areas in my market that are booming with sales and rentals flying of the shelf even tho the broad market is showing a decline in population.I think that majority of the markets in the Midwest are showing a decline on population anyway lolSomething that I have preached to investors for years now is that finding the right team to work with is more important than focusing on just the online stats/demographics.You are correct tho regarding turnkey outfits.Most are very shady and do oversell properties.Something that isn't a deal breaker as long as the property management is solid.In most cases it isn't so that kills the deal completely.Just my opinion.Thanks 

Or would they be unable to move in because you're still laying flooring and painting walls?

page=1#p4112229Check out my post on this one. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/432/topics/695523-how-to-choose-an-area-to-focus-on-for-real-estate-investing-or-d?