Auctions here is a tough way to get started. I spend countless hours going through the list of properties, comping the ones that might actually sell, driving all those properties, and then preparing our bids. I think to do it properly you need to be doing it full time. Just on auctions alone I spend at least 20 hours a week preparing our bids and this year I have only been averaging a property a month. There are several hedge funds buying here so anything that fits their criteria is an instapass for me. They pay 100% to 105% of ARV AT THE COUNTY AUCTION, lol.
I am actually considering starting a direct mail campaign. I think that may be an easier way for someone just starting out than the foreclosure auctions. The county auctions are very competitive, you can't get in the properties, the title is not guaranteed, and you have to pay all cash the same day as winning bid. None of that is likely involved in a straight off market purchase from a desperate seller.
Anyways I think you should have a few different ways of finding properties and there are plenty to choose from.
I work full time as an investor here in Jacksonville and also work with a few investors as a real estate agent. If you ever have any questions or just want to talk about real estate feel free to give me a call. I love talking real estate.