this is tricky, it tends to be a case by broker-case basis, and only a handful of brokers control the bank-owned..yikes......i forgot if the agent can rep. the bank and you, there in NC, if you make offer..Just thinking out-loud and opinion, not telling you what to do, dont know your plan (hold, flip, or your funding):  ...get over there, with a property preservation buddy, assess the repair and upgrades, (unless its already pretty perfect or you feel the agent can give you some accurate idea)...ask agent what he/she can sell for in good condition, confirm.. then factor arv, repairs needed, make offer with 10 day due diiigence professional inspection......are you offering an almost full retail-market priced forclosure anyway, then are you going to hold it for cash flow? 

I have a whole "Team" outside of that consisting of property managers, lenders, contractors, and other needed professionals that have worked well for me and my clients in this area. 

The website is great, very easy to use; and the people I interacted with were very professional, quick communication, everything you’d want....and then it went off the rails.

An MD at an investment bank will chuckle with the typical elevator pitch done by most real estate "investors" but a private individual with whom one has a pre-existing relationship (and limited real estate knowledge) might be intrigued. 

I am looking into buying a rental property in the Boston area (it does not need to actually be in Boston) but I want to be able to rent to students and young professionals, as I plan to do a micro-unit, coliving type arrangement, and they will be my target market.

I've had a few issues in the past with my professionals so I'm looking to hear about everyone's experience with whom they used.   

@Brandon Swartwood I would recommend starting with the ULI Guide To Professional Real estate Development.

If you go that way, I’d make sure a professional installs it and that you have a warranty which stipulates something about the repair time in the event of it breaking(in the dead of winter.

He's got the money, I've got the time/experience/location.I'll take out the loan (Private or Hard money PML HML) and Alfonso will provide the downpayment.Alfonso wants to use RRSP (aka Registered Retirement Savings Plan) money.

Considering the potential costs you mentioned are so high, I believe it is worth it to contact a professional.