Tax sales are filled with errors and pitfalls including unrecorded liens, state liens, and workman liens.  

I wasn’t stoked about any to be honest but their models showed plenty of room for error with how high the returns looked (16-25%).

A lot of first-time out-of-state investors end up looking toward Midwest markets because entry prices are lower, rent-to-price ratios are stronger, and the margin for error is much bigger on a first deal.

It’s super common here for landlords and house hackers to fully finish out the basement, add a separate entrance, and rent it out to offset their living expenses.

In my experience, I have evaluated DIY options, but for me, the potential for error and the lack of defendable documentation outweighed the cost savings.

I'd focus on that rather than finding the bargain basement broker if desk rental is common in your area. 

The numbers don’t need to be as aggressive as coastal markets, and the room for error is much better when you’re operating remotely.

From what I see, decisions often hinge on the unit’s potential income, especially when it comes to cleaning and common areas.

IRS audits and penalties: Studies that are poorly conducted may be full of unsubstantiated assumptions and errors that can lead to expensive audits and large financial penalties from the IRS.Long-term issues: Dealing with IRS audits and having to correct inaccurate studies can be a drawn-out, stressful and expensive process.

Are there certain markets or owner profiles where this tends to be more common?