For example, the top two MSAs with the largest population growth from 2010 to 2016 (estimated) is The Villages, FL (32.7%) and Austin-Road Rock TX (19.8%).

I am going there to estimate my rehab costs, I would be performing a lot of the work myself and with some co-workers (one co-worker has a contractors license with the city) and the other a plumbing license, my dad is and electrician.

On average only 7% actually sell so the chances of you getting a better deal at the sale is pretty rough and its risky.

The more though I heard people’s concerns about becoming a real estate agent I quickly let the doubt set in about coming and am still in my current job in new construction as an estimator and purchaser.

For a definitive answer, I’ll defer to @Chance Delome

My criteria for buying are at least a 10% CoC return, and $100/month or more in net cash flow PER door (hopefully closer to $200/door).List Price:  $179,900Down Payment:  $44,975  (25% down, assuming I buy at list price)Repair Estimate:  $5,000Closing Costs:  $2,500TOTAL CASH IN:  $52,475Loan Amount:  $134,925Loan Terms:  5.25% fixed rate, 30-year mortgageMonthly P&I:  $745Monthly Rents:  $2,000 ($1,000 per side)Vacancy Loss:  $100/month (I estimate 5 - 8% on multi-family properties, depending on how popular the area is).TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME:  $1,900 ($2,000 - $100 in vacancy)Taxes:  $154/month (you can usually find the actual tax amount paid for the previous year on your city's website)Insurance:  $100/month (ask other investors in your area what they pay, or for recommended agents who can give you quotes)Water/Trash:  $80/month (this is typically paid by the landlord in my area)Sewer:  $50/month (also typically paid by the landlord in my area)Lawn/Exterior Maintenance:  $75/month (my property management company offers this service)Maintenance:  $100/month (people budget anywhere from 2 - 10% for this... if it's a well updated and maintained property in an area that attract responsible tenants, I budget on the low side)Property Management:  $100/month (usually 8 - 10%, but you can find PM companies that do it for less... just make sure they're good at what they do!).

Maybe in a nutshell the typical process, chances of actually winning a bid?

I focus on ones that have been fixed and flipped, seeing what other investors haven done on there reno and get a chance to talk with realtors who work with investors and pick their brains about the market and different neighborhoods. 

You don't need inspections or appraisals with cash... and there's no chance of the loan falling through for something on the buyers side.When you start going the condo route, in addition to what you said owner occupancy can also play a part in needing cash.

It gives them the chance to find out if it is just too much of a hassle (you can overcome that) or if they want to die in the house (in which case you say thanks for your time)Make sure they have the information to answer questions and overcoming objections.