Off the bat, I had a few questions that hopefully someone more experienced can help: 1. do auctions allow financing after winning the bid, or do they require entire amount to be immediately wired? 

They collect EMD from multiple potential buyers - then transferred the EMD into an interpleader accounts in hopes of absconding with all the EMD. 

Hope this helps!

Instead I want to take advantage of the opportunity I have of living rent free to invest my time and money in STR's to hopefully build that portfolio up and eventually make that my main source of income (I understand that will take time).

Now I think expecting that type of rent growth to continue is foolish as the market went through some crazy times over the past 4 years that isn't likely to continue but I do hope to continue to get some growth over time.

Aloha, I hope this message finds you all well!

What happens if you lose on it, you now have an additional liability, not just a loss of money.Are you planning on keeping the current property or exchanging it (1031) into something else?

This reminds me of a thread from about a year ago... https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/50/topics/1139756-do-yo...Hope it works out for everyone though. 

I am interested in flipping in the downtown / Patty Jewett area and would love to get connected with someone who flips in the Springs (and hopefully pick their brain a bit).

I was hoping to do a new construction Duplex.