Nobel Prize-winning physicist William Shockley practically invented Silicon Valley, turning California into the technological hotbed of innovation it is today.

It does not matter who "wins."  

It makes it a win-win.Also, March is not that bad month for finding tenants.

You need to have cashier's checks made out to you (or your company's name) name in the ENTIRE amount of the winning bid and they expect you to pay immediately after winning the auction. 

Your down payment will be the investment you have to make in order to make the house safe and the instant equity back to the note holder that provides. 

If you will be living at this place there is an emotional component which might justify you going higher in price to win the property.If this is an investment for long term buy and hold for rent income then it is less emotional and more about dollars and sense.Another factor is velocity of deal flow in your area.

Doing a little renovation will usually allow you to gain some instant equity as well, and contain costs when it's a condo.  

Make sure you ask the auctioneer or trustee if you win the bid, do you get good title.Charles Parish.

But if the seller holds firm on asking price of 130k, what are some creative ways to structure owner financing that can be a win win?

Sometimes I'll lose, sometimes I'll win.