2. does traditional financing work if all pre-arranged in advance of the auction date?

Contacted my realtor who arranged the showing and gave me the background details.

This arrangement seems kind of fishy to me.

I think we are going to see much more of this type of arrangement going forward as more people "retire" without sufficient planning. 

Arrange to meet with her first thing in the morning.

Of the 39.0 acres on the county property appraiser, 25.5 acres is zoned timber, 2.0 zoned residential/AG, and 11.5 wetland, an arrangement common in my area for either Timber or Cattle to save property taxes. 

They do not operate separately and do not act separately because funds cross back and forth constantly and continually with no formal arrangement. 

Brokering, by definition is arranging a deal on behalf of another for a fee, commission, or other reward.

Any tips on arranging the contract?

You are welcome to PM me so we can arrange a quick call and chat about this.A good place to start would be to invest in a note fund.