Having someone in that niche on BP regularly to answer your question is going to be rare.

This is the only time I have ever found my self actually hoping to find giant hair balls in the pipes (because my wife and three daughters all have LONG thick hair and they get to deal with it on a regular basis since I have none). 

In one case a budy of mine picked up several houses at once and ended up making regular payments to the sellers estate...it was a terrific deal all around.You can probably find an agent or two that will at least complete the periodic search of the MLS for you and let you compare whats out there...of course by then there are agents involved (commissions to be paid), and every investor and regular buyer in town can see the offer....so like you already mentioned some of the opportunity has eroded.

Are you paying all cash with your bank account money, hml for flips, or some down for a regular buy and hold loan??

So if something goes horribly wrong (litigation) are both (or all) my regular IRA and my self- directed IRA liable?

Could you elaborate on "plenty of liability insurance" and how this differentiates between regular insurance?

Yes, totally agree with @William Larsen , the bidding contests have certainly slowed down and deals are starting to pop up far more regularly.

However, as a consumer, you should know that the promoter doesn't break even until you've probably spent a few hundred dollars minimum.

Any ideas for a new concept, dividing up the space or promoting what we have are greatly appreciated.

The city is full of multi's that are in need of new ownership and great deals do pop up pretty regularly.