If you can find something to invest locally in and makes sense, do it (house hacking / MTR / Long term rental). 

I have a feeling that they are going to ask us to meet a reserve price, but I don’t know how much sense it will make to increase my offer.

And for some reason as a society which is rapidly getting technologically more advanced some of us come to the conclusion that scientists can not be trusted.. make it make sense.

The people who are helping are genuinely nice people, but NOBODY should be clicking a random link left on an internet forum, that is just common sense.

Listen to the Bigger Pockets Real Estate rookie podcast... you wont understand everything at first, but soon it becomes like your own language.Meet people in your area... network.. tell them what you are interested in, you will be so surprised that people will show up to help you.Avoid the gurus who ask for money, PRO membership here gives you access to the webinars and calculators you need to make it make sense for a newbie. 

Thank you, that makes sense.

However, it's possible this could all make sense, minus not wanting to submit an application, which he would have to do.

Oh, that makes a lot of sense, thanks for clarifying.

Keep repeating until the project is complete.Does that make more sense?

Other have mentioned this but you can rent out your home for something above market - that would be between you and the operator and whatever makes sense for both of you.Would be happy to hop on the phone and chat more about it and answer any questions you might have!