The benefit you will gain by hiring a crew to cut the lawn, trim the shrubs is another set of eyes watching your investment to catch any other property negelect or illegal activity by your tenants.  

#1 is a close second it, I think it catches the eye more. 

@Rick Baggenstoss you named the top neighborhoods I've been eyeing these last few months--I'm glad to know I'm on the right track!  

it's based on usage anyway (but i think both water and gas are lienable in philly so keep an eye on it)

When i close my eyes and picture how I want my future to be, I can't see myself doing anything else but waking up, finding deals, making offers, flipping, fixing, holding, renting, and making money while helping others in the process. 

Will definitely keep our eyes open Callum K.

The actual bid amount price isn't listed until a couple of days before the sale so you will need to keep an eye on the lists to see what's coming up for sale.This gives you an opportunity to research a property using GIS information which tells you about the last sale, tax value, and lots of other good information.Contact your banker, insurance agent, and closing attorney to get everyone ready to anticipate you being a successful bidder on the property.Let me know if I can help!

Whereas I live out of the area I need someone trustworthy to  help keep an eye on the property, put a lock box on the door, possibly showing the house, put FOR Sale sign in the front yard, and put a number of (house for sell with owner financing)  signs just out side of the city limits.

Looking forward to attending the next one @Phillip DwyerI will keep an eye out for the details.

I think that it could be a great opportunity to work there first for a couple of years to (1) learn about the whole process/environment from a bird's eye view and (2) obtain contacts and connections that would be beneficial if I were to transfer to the business side.