I like cosmetic rehabs as they are easy wins and a great way to gain experience and understand designs and rehab costs. 

I've also considered investing in a more stable market (Kansas City seems to come up a lot on the forums), not an appreciation bet, but seems to be steady cashflow and you could land a couple multi's out there on good mortgages with that equity spread between as down payments, and a pad for rehab/capex.  

In addition, you will better know the paperwork and strategies behind winning an offer on a property and receiving it for a better price than you would had before. 

I see this as a win win, I just need to pitch it right.The main thing I'm concerned about is objections I haven't thought of yet.

You can also not bet surely on appreciation where the home increases value.

As I said, still a newbie but that's what seems like a possibility.I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to, Laniece, but I bet Chris Mason can give you a well-informed response.

I know they will take $2500. off my credit card if I due happen to win the bid. 

Im a licensed RE agent in Fresno CA, considering to bid for a property on public auction in auction.com, hubzu.com, homesearch.com. my question is.. for example, when I place a winning bid of 100K, and the property has a total estimated debt of 300K, does that mean I have to pay 400K for the property in order to get the title? 

From the sounds of it I bet there are other things wrong too.

I'd bet that a google search would find out if the same were true in CA.