Lots of great connections all over but we also have a very strong and active contingent here in MA on here so make sure to find them (Set up some keyword alerts to find out about local topics) and get connected.  

However, the current zoning in the area requires a 300ft width, while this existing lot is only 220ft.Is it possible to make the seller an offer contingent upon getting a variance that would allow me to build?

And I often make my offers on REOs with no contingencies - none at all.  

You should be able to get a pre-qual letter, and then you'll need a signed lease and first month's rent deposited for the loan to actually close.The timing gets tricky, but if you're in a strong rental market where you know your house will rent easily, you could put a contract on a new place, market your current house as available a week or two after the closing.Of course, there's always the risk that you aren't able to close (or closing gets delayed), in which case you're stuck in some kind of interim housing situation until you can work that out.I should also mention that I think a financing contingency would keep you safe against losing your earnest money in case you can't rent the place out (and thus can't qualify for a new mortgage), but I'm not 100% on that.  

If they try to “sell you” on it simply say you want that verbiage taken out- If they decline back out and go home.However if it doesn’t have that verbiage (psssst I would say little less than half the 50 states don’t, accept the addendum and get your cash buyer on the line   Dont say anything to the bank about your end of deal it’s nunya B then meets C and C initial  contract along with marked up Purchase price- “CONTINGENT OF BANK CLOSING”investor friendly attorney, if asked properly and make sure you have a decent rapport with them, ask if you can utilize the proceeds at the banks requested title company.  

Lots of great connections all over but we also have a very strong and active contingent here in MA on here so make sure to find them (Set up some keyword alerts to find out about local topics) and get connected.Besides doing that on here make sure to get out to some of the many local investor events we have.  

How do you comp such a property (its a 5br/3ba SFH, thats been split into a duplex, on 1.37acres, zoned business but last used as a residential)3  We want to put a contract on it with contingencies regarding the inspection, partner approval and also an assignment clause.

that's up to you really. caveat emptor. auctions typically present a higher level of required knowledge because of a lower level of contingencies a buyer can place on a purchase of a property....as a result, the prices might be lower.

If there is a contingency for inspections you can get out. if not you cannot get out.

Real deals don't usually have long financing contingencies on them.Regardless Hard Money is probably your only option unless you have some other less expensive private lending options, i.e. friends or relatives that will give you a$$load$ of cash without worrying about you lack of experience.