@Josh Coup Even if your agent isn't the ultimate authority, they might defer to their broker who would hopefully be able to provide a relatively accurate ARV. 

I’m currently the Bigger Pocket book “BRRRR” and the author states that to really get a good bang for your buck you should save $60-$80k and buy your first prop cash.

She was going to report me to the authorities if I rent to someone else. 

These issues were so dumb I never would have thought to ask about them), such as:  if you evict someone, and they bolt, YOU the landlord have to pay a certain moving company (apparently the only one in pittsfield authorized by the city to handle this endeavor) to move the tenant's belongings into storage, until such time as your loser tenant finds another place to live, and then, YOU have to pay for their stuff to be professionally moved again, AND you have to pay for something like 3 months worth of storage!!!   

@Greg DickersonYes I’ve attended several local REI meets and have read some books already from BiggerPockets authors.

I’d imagine you’d need authorization from the owner to turn on the utilities even if you’re paying for them.

I have saved millions and it also gives you authority and credibility with sellers especially when you tell them you are an investor first.

Here's what you may expect:1) An inspection by the housing authority.

You have to pay them though or they foreclose on the house.You could ask for payment plan from the tax authority to stop foreclosure.

You will first have to get authorization from the homeowner to speak to the bank on their behalf and start from there.