There are bidding wars on most single family properties that are even close to habitable for anything under $300k in most areas.  

No General Contractor wants to do a remodel with the residents still living there....they will charge you more (they probably will not show it, but the prices will be higher because of the huge PITA factor and increased liability)I would wait until you have completely moved out and then just give them the house empty and ready to roll.....But you can get a Scope Of Work going and start getting bids...even plans and permits if you're going that far...

Make it look like a bid and seek a concession in your inspection findings. 

Attend the auction and bid. 

The winning bid was $70,250 plus 10% buyers fee so $77,275.

I had a buyer several years ago that had the same situation and the bid was cancelled.  

Did you get an accepted bid?

After that it seems I’ll have to get bids from contractors?

However, if you plan to rehab at all, you will then need a licensed contractor to provide bids on each project you plan to rehab.You will then be asked to provide a proof of any funds to close, purchase agreements, and if closing as an LLC - most times documentation on that LLC.Overall, the larger number of units (5+) makes the lending process based more off the property than the borrower, contrary to traditional single family housing.I would recommend you work with a Loan Originator/Broker who will be the medium for you to the lender/s.

So we have an online portal for contractors to submit bids and SoW.He said he will submit everything except the license number and never had a lender require it.