The plan was to buy a house for myself, and then in a year or two look for an investment property in a cheaper city.

And also how far broken down is this information is in regards to submarkets in and/or around the metropolitan area and city proper? 

Also having a few anchors in a city help for stability (e.g. capital cities, sports teams, highly reputable colleges / universities).Please add us to your buyers list. 

I've seen some properties in Memphis and Kansas City for around $45,000.

In or near big cities prices are often quite high. 

Could someone who has participated in Jersey City property auctions provide some insight into the process and what it takes to succeed?  

You've picked a great place to learn, and an even better city to start in.

I will spend some time on my own.. and do a pre app at the city or county that usually cost 1 to 2k.. then I might go to stage two with prelim drawings etc that cost 10 to 20k.. then I will decide if I want to move forward.Generally speaking you cannot develop bare land without up front cost that you could walk away from I have walked from 100k plus up front and not closed..

Maybe find out the general trend of where the tenants work to see if your able to fill vacancies from other cities, including Spartanburg.

Set up Google alerts for certain city's that interest you.