My current goal is to narrow down areas to look at so that I can start paying closer attention to those markets.

If I pay  his water bill how do I expense that in my tax returns.

Or, did failing the inspection cause them to stop paying the rent? 

And he almost always wins...Remember, you don't want to lose in court over 100$ that you deducted wrongly, because it isn't the damages that get you, it is the thousands in attorney's fees you pay.

The typical wholesaler is cash/hard money only, non refundable deposit, no inspection period and you pay both sides closing costs.

You pay in full the day of the auction.

I roughly had to pay a month’s rent for that maintenance issue.

Current negotiation from LL Commercial lease Monthly Rent $6000 Security Deposit will be $7000 (based on last month rent of the lease term)Six Month Build Out Period - June 1 to Dec 31, 2024 Lease to start January 1, 2025. 5 year term During the build out period the tenant would pay $3000 per month rent (June 1 to December 31, 2024)The balance of $18,000 from the build out period would be paid back over 12 months at $1500 per month on a separate agreement.

How do you find these distressed home owners without paying a ton of money for some of these lists?

You first bill them and see if they'll pay.