I know that real estate often takes a lot of capital to get started, and that's something I don't have at this stage.

It is not uncommon for auctions like this one to get rescheduled multiple times before ever actually making it to the courthouse steps. 

I own a unit at a local condominium complex and am having issues with timely response from the HOA. 

Depends on their health and any desire they may have to simplify.

You can hear real-world examples of how others have built their investment portfolio and (hopefully) learn to avoid their mistakes.4.

Quote from @Chan Park: It's time to step and be a Landlord, as uncomfortable as it may seem.

Others have hit it on the head.

As you may have found in your search, there are lenders that will lend up to 80% of the appraised value on investment properties and don't require an appraisal.Let me know if you'd like me to point you in the right direction.I have not; I'm still working on acquiring my next house hack, but when I need it, I'll probably use a combo of hard money and margin loan.

Tight inventory can definitely be a challenge, but it sounds like you’re taking proactive steps.

Happy to connect and answer any questions you have!