My recommendation would be to listen to the bigger pockets podcasts, read as much of the free books they offer and participate here on the forums. 

:In PA, and in other states, auctions can mean different things.There are private auctions where I just choose to sell my home in an auction scenario (I actually think this is pretty common in Australia - maybe someone from Oz and chime in on that).Auctions can also refer to the compelled or forced sale of a property by the State/County for various reasons.I assume you are asking about the 2 most common forced sales - foreclosures (failure to pay your mortgage, bank sues and the Sherriff sells your home to satisfy the bank) and tax sales (failure to pay your taxes and the State/County sells your home to satisfy your tax bill).I have not participated in the PA foreclosure and tax sale business in 20 years, so things may have changed, but if someone here is more up to date maybe they can correct my answer with new info.Both types of sales have their own areas of risk that you need to educate yourself on.Value is a top issue - you need to know how much the home is really worth before you get into any of the below. 

I'm currently working as a purchasing manager in a manufacturing company a bit north of there, but will probably relocate soon after we find a good property.I'm a bit of a nerd, very into video games and role-playing games, but I also have quite a bit of experience fixing minor things around the house from when my parents made me as a kid.Looking forward to hearing from you all, and participating in the community!

I really don't care to pay a debt off a few months early if it means I don't have the savings to participate in an opportunity that comes along. 

You are looking for an active participant as it sounds as if you are not the developer. 

Even splitting up the buckets between parties and letting everyone participate in a central property management company, or only granting income shares not capital shares, would be better.

Looking for feedback on this from anyone with experience with this type of thing. thanks everyone for the participation.

I don't think I would necessarily be considered an active participant.      2. 

As a licensed real estate broker "agent", can I participate in equity sharing with my LLC - and negotiate a short sale?

We are interested in purchasing a vacation rental and immediately participating in a rental program.