Over the last six months I have paid down small credit card debt, put away $5,000 as an emergency fund, and contribute 15% to my 401K which I am not willing to lower to pay down debt or save more towards my first property- that stays the same.

So then they email to say you have 24 hours to click "confirm high bid"- but they don't tell me what would happen if I didn't. so I call customer service but they can't really tell me anything, i am trying to see if i will be in default if I don't confirm the high bid and thus would lose the $2500 deposit they are holding on my credit card which you have to put down in order to bid. 

This research includes looking at property cards, the sale history of the property, locating the property on a GIS mapping system, looking at comps of the neighborhood and being in constant contact with our real estate agents for their input as well. 

Department of Treasury with usc exceptionState Tax LienLien by USA or Dept of JusticeUS Department of StateOther Federal AgenciesFrequent Superior Foreclosure-Liens:Code Enforcement for debris removal or mowingDemolition or Environmental Based Liens State child support lienBoard of County Commissioners for special assessmentsUtility LiensWater/Sewer Delinquency (only in selected states)County (and/or School/Township) for unpaid taxesCity for road improvements, maintenanceHere are some of the judgment and liens that will be wiped off from the property (not the borrower who lost the title) if the lien holders were properly notified and "had the right to bid on the property at the auction":2nd and junior position mortgages, such as home equity loans, etc...Credit Card Judgments recorded after the foreclosing mortgage Personal Judgments recorded after the foreclosing mortgageMechanic's Liens recorded after the foreclosing mortgageOther Judgments outside of the ones listed above

Use social media, your car, your website, business cards, just tell everyone what you do.

No credit card debt or auto loans etc.  

I’ve been in these situations in the past and, fortunately, had most of the “cards” in my favor.  

Then, play the "follow up" game.So, be sure the offer is on all of your marketing whether it's your website, newspaper ad, postcards, business cards, etc.Also, do open houses. 

When playing cards with your own money, you play much more conservatively.

You will take a small hit on your score when you apply but it will go back up within a couple months of taking out the loan (assuming your paying all your bills on time).Make sure you pay your credit card bills BEFORE the statement cuts, that way your utilization reported to the credit bureaus will remain low which will raise your score.