Turn a bad note into a good flip.

[Bret N.]

I have had a string of buying vacant 2nds in the past 6-months(although I thought they were occupied based upon the credit reports and the reputation of the seller. Eitherway, I'm a big boy and will shoulder the blow). 

To the point, how plausible is it to just follow the 1st and either contact them and/or wait for auction and buy it on court house steps and then flip the property?   I am a flipper too and wanting to expand out of state.  Or should I just cut my losses?