While you might have to sign a contract after the auction, it would not allow you the time to obtain traditional financing.A bank would never approve you for a mortgage, give you cash directly, and send you on your way to look for a home to spend that cash on.  

You are better off using Direct sales comparison or GRM's

Keep making connections in every direction.  

It's easy to let the little things distract you so you dont have to face the bigger, more real, challenges.I recently ran across a series of articles on anxiety and procrastination that helped shed some light on my situation..

I also sometimes get profitable properties for sale to investors, directly from the seller. 

A simple fix and flip; clean, landscape the yard (in Arizona that means spread some gravel), a couple new light fixtures, and touch-up paint.  

I'm getting ready to launch a direct mail marketing campaign targeting ugly properties and apartment buildings.

I realize this a somewhat vague question and I want it to be that way to get as much feedback and light on the topic as possible.

I realize this a somewhat vague question and I want it to be that way to get as much feedback and light on the topic as possible.

I would look into Self Directed IRA or 401K, both of those tools can drastically cut the time between "saving money" to "purchasing a property".