When I told her that I did everything myself she said she knew she was being scammed.She filed a police report and I picked out the couple out of a photo line up that conducted the scam on her because I remembered them coming to tour the house like they wanted to rent it. 

The Governor signed new bill and now we are able to conduct business with some restrictions and safety precautions.Here is the link:https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-real-estate-industry-may-conduct-limited-business-transactions-statewide/Cheers, Yuriy 

Does anyone have experience with conducting market analysis for this Niche?

According to surveys that we've conducted, 80% of independent landlords say that nonpayment of rent is their top concern. 

I agree give them required time (notice) based upon the lease and conduct and inspection and document your findings

That is unethical and against the code of conduct for the NAR and against many state laws. 

With the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act off the shelf id be liable for the forgiven debt if I were to successfully conduct a short sale.My wife and I both work, so with some new lifestyle modifications, we have been able to afford to keep making payments (even with no tenants).

If title insurance is not offered, then it's totally buyer beware and you have essentially the same risk as buying on the courthouse steps.Question 2:  You don't have much opportunity to conduct more due diligence than can be accomplished from the curb.  

The tax certificate sale is conducted in a manner similar to an auction.

Developers, who do lots of market analyses, are pulling out because of local government regulations making it difficult to conduct business.