It's possible that the county may have it but since the last sale was made quite a few years ago it may not be correct.

Also I would suspect Within sfh that if an area close by is popular or up and coming you should see some uptick in demand for your sfh and you shouldn't see the fire sale mentality that you get every so often when one you have a unit in a condo type setting for example that you're trying to get rid of.I think it's a great idea for you that continue to take your time improve your skills and knowledge of Real Estate and then proceed forward once you have a greater level of comfort so kudos to you.

Real Estate investing is one of many ways to make money, but, if you are not in the Sales side of it, you face a lot of negatives in order to make long term profits.

I'm newbie,  I made a offer on a short sale then I found out that the process could take very long, so I decided to look for another property, as a first timer, should I leave that short sale offer open and and start another property?

The weather can play havoc on your property in cold winter areas.You need to make sure the property has been winterized by having the heating,water heater,pipes,rain gutters,and the like are serviced for winter and fully inspected.Make sure you have a snow removal plan in place like the tenant has to do it or you pay someone to do it on a regular basis.

According to 1760.03 new Toledo Lead Ordinance, Obtaining a "Lead-Safe Certificate", the Certificate is transferable:(c) Upon the sale, purchase, or transfer of ownership of Residential Rental Property or Family Child Care Home constructed prior to 1978 and which is subject to this Chapter, the Director of the Toledo Lucas County Health Department shall issue an updated “Lead-Safe Certificate” in the name of the new Owner, upon application.

It sounds like the lender is going to have to cut their losses on the existing owner and foreclose on them or do a short-sale type transaction where you purchase it, but at a value less than what the lender owes. 

Do you think I should post under "for sale by owner" too?

She's willing to pay at least 50k for it and the bank has in for sale for just above 40k. 

An Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license in CA will set me back just under $1,000.A Real Estate sales person License will set me back about $1,000 also.Just starting here and I need income fast.