@Jacqueline Wright  Every auction is different so the first items to check: do they allow financing if you win the auction? 

I'm going to be checking my BP more regularly.

So you might want to check out Meetup and see what other local REIA groups are out there.

You can also check out a group on Facebook with other investor like your self called Yellowbird.

Other areas to check would be local real estate meetups (check BP Events & Meetups, Eventbrite, Meetup.com) and local DC Facebook groups as well.

To find reliable contractors, ask for recommendations from other investors, real estate agents, or your local hardware store, and check platforms like Angi or Thumbtack for reviews.It’s best to bring a contractor out after the inspection so you have all the details to discuss.

Check with an architect first to be sure you can fit your vision into the existing lot, as it's zoned currently.

There are not a ton of comps on Zillow or other websites that I have checked and it was last sold a while ago so even these resources are unable to give me a quote.  

Check with your lender before you do anything.

That's why the lady should have had her own representation telling her to check it out.Gino