If 300k is your budget and you want a SFH, I'd search for something in deep Renton or even as far as Tacoma/Federal Way.

I'm excited that there is more to come and look forward to connecting with wholesalers and other movers/shakers in the Atlanta area. 

If Seattle is too tough I was thinking Tacoma or Everett, but I'm definitely not closed off to Spokane. 

I’m in the Tacoma market but I keep my eye on what’s going on down there.

run the one in Tacoma/Lakewood.

Who are some auction agents in Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia, Auburn, Kent, and so forth?

I was able to flip a 4 Plex in Tacoma last year by acquiring the distressed second position debt then taking ownership and selling the property at a good profit in less than 6 months.

For most people just getting started a $100,000+ cash investment isn't an option, which is why HouseHacking is the most effective beginner strategy - you can get a good HouseHack deal under your belt for just $10,000-$30,000 cash in Tacoma, and there are great programs (like the WSHFC downpayment assistance program, and the BofA $17,500 free grant program) that a good agent can guide you towards to get the downpayment on a househack down to between 1% and 6% of the purchase price. 

Currently looking at the Tacoma area which seems more affordable. 

Again, that's my $0.02 so if you disagree no worries.Seattle is a tough market, I'd recommend you look South towards Tacoma or North towards Everett to make the numbers work.