For a newbie out of market, I would advise an appraiser, maybe ask for a retainer agreement if you have multiple properties you want them to investigate for you.

I am working on investigating non-title related issues like code violations, but not sure where to start. 

Thanks for that update Wayne; I hadn't latched on to the key word on your opening post:- 'reo'!  

Right now I have none notifications for votes, mentions, and keywords, all of which I've read.

Here are a few tips for Bigger Pockets so you can get the most out of it: Be sure to set up “keywords" for whatever type of investing you’re interested in with "Atlanta” obviously being the primary keyword.

Here are some good places to start: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet- find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts - Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.And, of course thehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums - ask any question about real estate!

@Corina EufingerThanks for putting South Dakota in your post, its one on my keyword alerts.

Bigger Pockets has many resources such as: ebooks, forums, blogs, webinars, podcasts, key word alerts, an awards system, learn section, colleagues, informative people in many fields of real estate, and more.

EricaI don't think your financing has anything to do with being able to roll your gains into another property, but I would definitely do some investigation before doing one of those, specially with 1031s because there are some very specific rules that need to be followed otherwise your transfer will be invalidated.I also saw your post saying you wouldn't live in some of those neighborhoods!

Investors and tenant-buyers notice keywords, such as motivated, handyman, FSBO, below market value, below tax value, divorce sale, help me, etc.