My wife and I had a “corporate meeting” and we made them and offer and ended up purchasing the property for $1K over our offer price at auction.

DaveI do not have any instruction to offer.

Buyers expect Sellers to cower in the corner at their amazing low offers as if they are doing the seller a favor.  

Places in the Midwest like Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Kansas City are good for this too, and in the Southeast, cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Raleigh-Durham offer cheap buys and lots of renters.

Should we offer preference and less equity?

You can start real estate investing, reading resources, familiarizing yourself with the Albany, GA market, setting short-term and long-term goals, preparing financially, building a team, conducting property searches, conducting due diligence, making an offer, managing property, and joining local groups.

You can also possibly rent it as is separately for another $150-$200/month especially if your comps do not offer garages.

I'm open to any advice that anyone here has to offer. have a great weekend everyone

Investing with foreknowledge that property values are falling seems like a timing problem or at least a situation where my offer would be reduced to reflect this coming change.As to how much to put in as a down payment that depends more on your numbers, your risk tolerance, ability to get financing, cost of financing, etc. 

However, he offered no assistance on the re-platting process.