Know how to win big, and know how to loose small.

I'm all for win-win situations.

Since I did not have the ability to generate my own leads back then it was a win-win.

Are you using an agent that understands investment property or one that just wants you to win the bid? 

You should be talking to regional banks as well as the big players and see what both have to offer.  

In regard to institutional real estate investments, the advice of an expert who works in the industry every day, knows all the players and their track records, and performs due diligence on each offering is a great benefit to you and comes to you at no cost.

From my understanding I should be in the clear unless this were a Mello roo, or IRS lien etc. also if I am the winning bidder how long before I am able to start working on the property?

I've been performing and studying music at the college level since elementary school and I've gone as far as winning awards at the regional level.

@Patrick L. and @Kim Meredith Hampton, if I were to win a property at auction, and found squatters occupying the property, how long and how much (ball park) could one expect, before they can take possession of the property?

Paying for a title search can get expensive especially since I am not sure I would win the bid.