Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

And would the person trying to redeem have to pay the auction amount plus interest?

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

Best recommendations for QUALITY of work, ability to work within the bid amount, ability to follow a schedule, honesty and character are the basis of any contract.  

Lili here, I am a first-time investor looking for a couple different things:1)  A house hack in or near the downtown area.2) Connections to real estate agents, contractors, etc. to start building a network and deciding on a strategy for my REI (wholesaling, BRRRR, etc.)I am a recent college grad (June 2018) with no debt, around ~$20k in savings, very low expenses, and I travel a good amount, so Airbnb can be an option as well.Any and all advice and recommendations are more than welcome!

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I brought knowledge of these loans and a fair amount of research about the market in my area.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

You are correct in your assessment that you will need to pull out that vacancy rate until you have enough (or an amount that gives you a warm and fuzzy) to pay your necessary bills for that property while it is vacant. 

You can't just add the costs on top of the loan amount and finance them, they would have to be part of the purchase price.