there are company's that do the legal part for you it was very popular from 2000 to 2008 a web search will find them.

And note: infill houses in established areas of development is a pretty safe bet, but when you start getting into multi-units (more than 4 units), I would highly suggest you do a needs assessment and run the numbers on ALL aspects that will affect your true Net.Now get to work!

Sometimes your best bet is to ask any of your local agents if they can recommend someone in your target market area. 

I live in Casa Grande,Az. most of the houses I've seen here are listed at or above their value,also I now in order to bid at auctions I need cash,so any information on where to look for good deals besides a realtors website is greatly appreciated.thanks Your best bet would to do some networking and find a partner that will show you the ropes and potentially let you buy into a deal for what you can afford and perhaps some labor.  

Betting on appreciation is a crap shoot that I would bet on.  

If your looking for partners your best bet is to meet and speak with people face to face. www.Meetup.com to find all the meetings.Best,David B

He's making 4% on a passive instrument and has given up the hassles of active ownership.Note  buying is a popular exercise because it's a passive way to still invest in real estate for the long term backed by a real estate asset.  

@Phil Reames makes a great and popular suggestion of answering questions with questions.

I'm not sure about the Hampton Roads area, but have heard from some real state agents that areas such as Sandston and Highland Springs in Richmond seems to be  pretty popular buy and hold locations, but of course this is not advice, do your own due diligence on the area and home before buying.  

It's a very popular strategy in the area and we'd like to know what supply/demand looks like in the market.