I'd follow up with local courthouse to see if i can get more info and finally, if it all looked go that point, i'd pay for some title work and then get my cash ready and prepare to bid (All things being equal) when the sale date comes.

Be prepared to lose stuff. 

It would seem to me that as college tuition has a built in inflation factor, student housing (provided that quality is kept up) might be able to enjoy a portion of that inflation factor.Perhaps offering cleaning services, food preparation, partnering with local car sharing... anything to add value to the renters..?

The catch is you still are going to need money throughout the process and you have to be prepared for those costs such that depending on the totality of the terms a 90% lender could cost you less throughout the deal than a 100% lender.

Should I take the time to meet with a lawyer/real estate agent to prepare my rental property?

I’ve known for a while now that Ive wanted to get into real estate investing so I’ve been doing a lot of reading, and listening to podcasts to grow my education so that I can be prepared to jump in once I have enough saved.

(I was prepared for that possibility)

Great if it is, but prepare for some challenges, and then don't give up when they occur.

Any way to be best prepared for my meetings with these folks?  

I’m preparing to close in a few short days on my second investment property: a cash flowing, fully occupied 4 plex!