I've gotten bids from piering companies for other properties in the area and feel like I have a reasonable understanding of what average and worst case scenario costs look like, etc. 

Harris County is providing a free presentation to correctly determine floodplain status of a property.

I took their broker course and, if I recall correctly, their online exam prep was pretty good and you were allowed to take multiple times.  

We could probably pass the vacant rule (if I what I read online is correct).

It may be inconvenient to appear to bid in GA, but also might eliminate some competition as places like FL and CA host online auctions where the accessibility is very easy. 

BRRRRING* Sorry auto correct.

When I go to make a deal, I've been out bid (even with my offers, I was stretching because of the low inventory in my area!) 

I fear that while Toluca Lake/NoHo are decent areas with studios nearby (for hedging of market correction risk), 2 br condos are already at $500K and therefore further upside might be limited.

Thanks for correcting me, I'm wrong to my understanding too when I reread what I wrote.

I find a home I want to bid on then what’s next?