I'm with a construction and design company and we operate in NC - feel free to reach out, would love to work with you and help you create a high-performing STR.Here are a few we did in NC for you to check out:-https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/755582185230853225?

Feel free to shoot me a message if you want to chat.

I've done some research on tips to buying on the auction site and have looked into the property on the county site. 

I accept chocolates if you feel so inclined ;-)

I was capable of much more.I'm on my way, and feel I have only started.

I often find myself looking way too far away, I feel like narrowing down the areas I look in will make it a lot easier.

Any tips or suggestions?

I personally did not feel it was worth the 9,700 plus that I spent.  

Once you feel you've built a strong team with your first property and have solid systems in place, I would then start buying more aggressively and taking on bigger projects.I suggest reading this BP article on the core 4.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team

Feel free to connect.Andy