Foreclosure/ Auction.com suggestions

[Josh Wood]

There is a foreclosure locally and it is being sold on auction.com. It’s a duplex that seems pretty decent, but needs some work. There is some powder beetle damage that my contractor isn’t intimidated by. Some of the sil is damaged and some of the floor joists too. The sil and joists will need to be replaced in a small section. There is also a bunch of cosmetic stuff that needs work too, but nothing else that is significant. Anyone have experience with this type of damage? Any input? My agent got an email from auction.com that says the following “ If you or your bidder would like additional guidance on the relative strength or weakness of an intended bid amount, please call one of our Sales Advisors at 800-844-xxxx” What do you think? Is there any harm in calling and asking if they would consider 5k over the opening bid? Opening bid is 25k I’m open to any suggestions or input as I’ve never bought a foreclosure, from auction.com or off market. Thanks in advance.