It's not really that complicated, and all of the instructions on how to bid/purchase etc. are provided by the municipality-Buy from another investor.

I imaging waiting for the city will not only take forever but will probably be complicated as hell.

Nobody knows what the rehab costs are going to be a priori anyway, so just pick a number... we all know where those numbers can be found:) Personally, I like to see the borrower come into closing with some cash, even if my loan is more than 100% of the purchase price, that way I know he isn't going to call the closing a payday and never see him again.There are potential complications with this approach.

You can setup the LLC with checkbook control, as Dmitriy suggests, but I think the debit card is simpler, easier, just as effective, less complicated and less expensive.

My cash reserves are down because my wife stopped working early in her pregnancy ( due to complications ) and is now a "stay home" mom.

People with this habit (well, it ranges from a "bad habit" to a full-blown psychiatric disorder) have a complicated relationship with all that "stuff".

what are some of the techniques your are using?

This convinced me that some people are willing to write and sell anything online whether accurate or not (like I should be surprised).Having proven to myself that I can get AP cases approved by even tough judges now, I'm on to other projects and techniques. 

The FMR is a complicated thing, make sure you know there are comps nearby that rent at the rate you're expecting that are on Section 8 vouchers as well. #3 Make sure people want to live where you're buying.

Wholesaling and Buy and Hold are both excellent REI techniques, but require VERY different skills, systems, etc.