There are munis and public utilities that impose some serious fees and repairs when title transfers.

given that you're in California, you might also be able to get the NHF Platinum Program's down payment assistance grant, assuming you don't make too much $$$.  

When and where are their public auctions being held in NYC for foreclosed homes?

Use public auctions to liquidate them.For now stay away from foreclosures and REO's, just too many moving parts for you to make fast profits.

Edward,Hard money lender, Private money lender, Public/private tax credit money (state/federal/town). 

You have a lot of options with all the programs out there.

Id go with @Adam Schneider on this one, check online on public record to see if its paid off and offer full ask with your term financing.

I've never heard of this program but I am certainly interested!

I personally find sec 8 a difficult program to incorporate within what I want to do as a landlord and am not interested in the program, you can either choose to or not to.. you can search many posts here on BP about sec 8 .

Expanding further on $3 million plus condos in Houston,...the fastest one to sell via public sources was in 303 days, the 2nd fastest at 447 days, and the longest at 972 days with the others falling in between the last 2 numbers.