It will be tough to find a HML who can fund the deal fast enough for an auction property.Auctions typically require full payment, in cash, within 24 hours of the end of the auction.You would need to get pre-approved with a HML and have the funds already available.Otherwise you could find a private money lender or partner to take on the deal as well.

Single military typically don't move off-base (at least for the AF) until they are E-4.

With that said, with the exception of high interest debt, it's typically better in the long wrong to use available cash to invest. 

Tax deeds typically wipe out most liens and mortgages with a few exceptions.

Roofing Contractors are typically good at providing a quote on-site or at least within a couple of days of visiting the property, so it's worth taking an extra few days to get some additional quotes.

I'd continue to read the amazing content here on BP but also recommend to attend local REIA's to meet investors; they typically waive the entrance fee your first time around.

There is nothing wrong with that but that is not the typical way to buy investment real estate and you lose the advantage of leverage.

Typically around 35 - 50 attendees.

I typically let those go to voice mail (im dont like being on the phone) so I try and get them as much info as I can in the email that they get. 

I see this confusion often, not typically from agents though."