Finding deals in Augusta, GA

[Philip M Thomas]

Those of you who have invested in the Augusta area I'm curious as to how you are finding your deals. 

I'm looking for my first flip or brrrr and I'm having a ton of trouble finding anything. There seems to be a ton of properties at auction but I don't know if the time and risk is worth it. 

I have a few questions as well. After having an agent show you a house do you usually make an offer then? Or do you get it inspected and then offer? If I'm going to offer below their asking price they can just say no and I wasted my money on an inspection. 

The same goes for auctions. Paying for a title search before even bidding then losing to people that may buy the house closer to market value. 

I guess in general I'm confused about the order of events or steps I should be taking when acquiring a deal to make sure I'm not getting a money pit etc.