How do you guys know who to buy these lists from - that they are reputable and not scammers? 

Does anyone have recommendations for a reputable real estate attorney in the Baltimore area?

Something that will include patching up holes, underlayments, sheatings and re putting the shingles back?

Something that will include patching up holes, underlayments, sheatings and re putting the shingles back?

They are very slow and have a reputation for moving slow.

Remember your reputation is more important than that one deal.

Build your reputation, and lenders will come to you!

Do your homework and find a reputable company and this can be a great starting point.The second question is the type of funds used to buy properties.

For your first deal, I think any reputable lender will want you to have some money in the deal, regardless of LTV.

No, the only reliable way to avoid this particular hustle is if you know something about furnaces, have someone who knows something about furnaces on your payroll, or have carefully worked to build a long-term relationship with a local reputable HVAC outfit, typically over years.