Also, if you are given 3 weeks before bids are due, that would be a good time to check property-tax and other publicly available information, rather than trying to fade you bid after you've tied up the assets for a month. 

It might give you peace of mind as a newer / smaller investor, but in the end you have a problem you want to solve (taxes and being compliant), and if your tax guys owns a duplex will have no impact on his ability to address those issues. 

Looking forward to the passive income but also to the tax benefits

The total monthly payment will be pretty close to this: P&I - $1,295, Taxes - $420, Insurance - $175, PMI - $220, for a grand total of around $2,100/m.

Obviously 1k is not enough to cover the transfer tax and Sheriff's fees... 2) I thought Sheriff's sales were exempt from transfer tax in PA?

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1056436-clearing-up-confusion-on-tax-treatment-of-short-term-rentals

Roth IRA distributions will be tax free. 

If you're looking for a landlord friendly state with lower taxes and a market with lots of potential for appreciation, Columbus could be a good fit.Best of luck as you start out! 

Tax free money is always something to consider and even BETTER than a 1031 exchange which only defers taxes.

Nevada is landlord friendly and low property taxes.