They may be professional tenants, they are defiantly tending that way, in which case the threats are only the beginning of their plan to stop paying rent but it is difficult to say. 5 appliance issues in two months indicates they may be intentionally causing damage.I can only say what I always do and that is M2M leases are far superior protection for both tenant and landlord than any term lease.

You will also volunteer for real estate analysis work but did not indicate the type of work you want/can do.

Regardless, it's now an REO and you should recieve clean title, BUT make sure they indicate you're receiving warranty deed.No, you won't lose your deposit if you bid and lose.  

In my research, many of the experts indicate a higher yield on the lower C-rated properties than on the higher A or B properties. 

A quick scan indicates this is the case in Georgia as well

Your initial post indicates that SFR's that are updated sell in the $280-$400K range.  

Rich Baer in scenario 3, can you give me any indication as to what a fair and reasonable percentage of the net would be?

Or is there any major cracks in the walls or ceilings that would indicate excessive settling of the structure.  2.  

If somebody "gifts" you money, the bank will require a signed document indicating the money is a gift and there is no liability to repay.  

They can see the writing on the wall - the margins are not where it used to be with investing in houses.To make matters worse, if the flip shows on TV are any indication, newbie investors have jumped in and calling themselves "real estate investors".