Like any strategy, you can't become proficient at it by reading a post or watching a video.

Full Stop.The OP needs to cash flow and be proficient at screening and managing multiple units/properties.

Goals are:1.) take a loan that someone else pays off, get tax benefit, build wealth through appreciation2.) get practice/become proficient in property management3.)

I know that a lot of people make this sound like an easy way to get into real estate investing, but it really requires the wholesaler to know and be proficient at ALL aspects of the real estate business/industry. 

Team in PA  extremely knowledgable and proficient we have 4 or 5 going now I and I will double that for them.. they get to make commish on the buy  they get list side  plus large % of our net profit on the flip... how good is that for this Real estate team that is in my mind rock stars and VERY VERY good at what they do.4.

If you can't afford a few grand then you really are never going to make it anyway.even if you are out their on your own to be proficient you need to spend money on your own advertising etc. access to MLS  and used correctly alone will pay for the license many times over.. and you never know when you may become a rock star agent top end agents make far more money than 99% of wholesalers you will listen to on this site especailly the part time investors  LOL.. they are part time for a reason.. they are not RE professionals.

The agents I have found through there have always been very proficient and experienced.

Do you recommend any way to become proficient at the auctions outside of knowing the market?

I have garnered a skill set that is proficient in just about any facet with regards to real estate.More important, I love sharing the knowledge i have with others and learning from them in return,   

I am not proficient in the area and honestly have no idea what rents might go for or what the vacancy rates are.