If you buy at auction, make sure to do a title search beforehand (ask a title company, should cost a little).

You can search for all types of civil cases including foreclosures.

@Syed Lateef may a Google number?

Try this in a google search:site:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/70 FCI 

I had to google their email address. 

That way you can make a quick trip to the property whenever needed and spend no more than 4-5 hours traveling back and forth on a single day.For Bay Area Investors, that basically leaves you with Sacramento and Stockton for driving distance (there are other options, but that's where you'll generally see the best returns) and either Las Vegas or Phoenix Metro for flying (less than 2 hours).Wherever you decide to invest, here's the two main things you're going to need:1) Knowledge of the Market: Just google "(name of area) real estate" and read every single news article on it from the last 3 years.

@Kosh NathanWhen I was searching for my rental property, I was also concerned about multiple lenders checking my credit.

Abstract fees (abstract of title fees).Charges for installing utility services.Legal fees (including title search and preparationof the sales contract and deed).Recording fees.Surveys.Transfer taxes.Owner's title insurance.Any amounts the seller owes that you agree to pay, such as back taxes or interest,recording or mortgage fees,charges for improvements or repairs,and sales commissions.Settlement costs do not include amounts placed in escrow for the future payment of items such as taxes and insurance.3) if there were other costs incurred to acquire the house such as if you spend money for tax advice, tickets to fly to look at the house( or milage)  and such also gets added to the basisGood luck

You're a little less of a 'rookie' and each next step you take will continue to build on that track record. best of luck in the search

The wife swore she saw 3 cats (all black) & after finishing the repairs she spent an hour searching for the 3rd cat.