I have my eye on one property that had met the reserve at the end of the auction but is back on the market less than a week later with the same list price.

No, after watching more auctions, I'm realizing the ones near the one I've got my eye on are going for close to retail, so I am not going to be able to compete with that.

And you all make some very good pointsBut from what I see with my eyes is that when I drove around Newark and Irvington NJ the other day i was in disbelief mainly because there were some areas that seemed like a location where they shot an episode of the wire and meanwhile 3 blocks away developers are building those ticky tacky 3 story apartment complexes.....Probably gated with a key code and off street parking to keep tenants safe but still not the best thing for the little guys trying to get into the game. 

Self education has opened my eyes to the power of financial freedom from passive income. 

With that being said I'm looking for an experienced investor who is willing to share their knowledge, time, and experience to help fast track me into the world of real estate investing in return for something of equal value in their eyes.

Things worked out so well in the Boston purchase, I decided to buy another house in Boston (also in Jamaica Plain) last year with my dad as my eyes and ears on the ground.  

Or am I just flat out wrong and need my eyes check?!?

It's early days for me yet but I will keep a close eye on them.

Very dangerous game in my eyes.

A good private eye can find relatives for you also.