Without direct access to MLS I would use Redfin. 

What is the process of acquiring a home like that if I do not want to deplete all of my funds by buying it cash?

We want to do this to get access to more conventional loans and for asset protection reasons in the future (I don't want to make two separate LLCs for the two properties I own in the state.) 

he is now at a point where he is not allowing access to the property to get the repair done and sending me threating email that he will not pay the rent because the repairs are not done.

Most of the time even in landlord friendly states such as Texas the will consider it a civil matter and you would be forced to file an evictionHow did they get the combo to obtain access ?

I have access to 5k (in an IRA) and no other cash.

We also have access to U.S. retailers if needed. 

In addition, my many years in the mortgage industry provided great real estate financial knowledge and access to capital.

FHA requires a second appraisal for houses that are being sold between 91-180 days from the time the seller acquired the property and at 100% or more of the original purchase price.

I am really interested to see if there are investors out there who successfully use Auction.com to acquire investment properties.