The auctions, although online now, are live foreclosure auctions, i.e. the auction style sale which is the culmination of the foreclosure process. 

South Carolina (where I live) is a great state for many things but not rental real estate.  

It depends how long you plan on living.

New investor living in the Bay Area.

I lived there for a couple years and I met this guy who has bought and managed a ton of property there. 

. - My wife and I are 33 living in SF with $250k in cash & $250k in other equities. - $6k/ month is our freedom number from a W2- Buy & Hold MFH is our plan (turnkey with PM in place)- This quad was built in 2024 and we're able to secure a 3.75% 10 year rateHow's this deal looking or would it make more sense to go another route?

I make around $110k+ per year, live off around $75K, have a mortgage ($1900/mo for rent, escrow, tax), around $40K in equity, and no other debt. 

For reference, we're heavily involved in the co-living space, which is an unorthodox strategy but can perform exceptionally well with the right property and systems in place.

I live in Portland  Maine , I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.. thank you.

The property has to be considered 'in service' for you to list it on your tax return.In service entails a couple of items such as1) The property is in livable condition - Working bathroom, kitchen and an area to live.2) The property was advertised for rent.Best of luck