I am looking at similar requirements to Mauro above.Does anyone have experience purchasing properties outside the primary channels like real estate brokers, for example through auction sites or banks?

Auction is in January.

I purchased the property at a tax auction.

Almost never to never in a million years if it's being auctioned.

I bought a Zone A house at auction last year and everyone said I was wrong, or the value was not there.  

However, if you have the time and prefer to source properties on your own, I would highly recommend the following strategies:Connect with probate attorneysVisit property auctions: These happen monthly and, surprisingly, aren’t saturated with investors.Cold callingTarget LLC owned properties: Over the years we have seen an influx of companies purchasing SF for rentals/long-term holds and they failed to account for property taxes and an increase in new construction coming to the market.

Without knowing the balance on the first, I wouldn’t touch it at at the auction.

I have a house in my target area coming up for auction in Cleveland. 

You might take the list you get, go to the auction and see if they actually get sold. 

The forelcosure auctions in my home State of Florida are all online.