From my understanding I should be in the clear unless this were a Mello roo, or IRS lien etc. also if I am the winning bidder how long before I am able to start working on the property?

I've been performing and studying music at the college level since elementary school and I've gone as far as winning awards at the regional level.

@Patrick L. and @Kim Meredith Hampton, if I were to win a property at auction, and found squatters occupying the property, how long and how much (ball park) could one expect, before they can take possession of the property?

Also, my agent said it might be cheaper starting on a clean slate (with no surprises from an old home) and the bonus is that I wouldn't have to use my own capital in the bank; I'm currently pre-qualifying for about a 100K conventional loan. 

That extra rent will be a bonus.

And bonus question, if I use a HML to fund a project, how long do I have to wait under FNMA guidelines before I can utilize their cash out refinance program against the ARV?  

Paying for a title search can get expensive especially since I am not sure I would win the bid.

Win Win for sure.

Pay special attention to key rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen; those are usually the rooms that win over viewers.Good Luck!

My wife and I try to weekly review our losses and wins.