But, it's not a true negotiation in that either party can say whatever dollar amount they want, and then they have to wheel and deal and come to an agreement. 

We wound up leasing the 2/2 for $1050 and the 3/2 for $1150.And that's where we stand today!

Harris County holds one every 1st Tuesday of the month and you can find the list of liens (properties) to be auctioned on the county website. however, what I've learned is that the "big" business and corporation, etc have taken over the sells making it difficult for individual to stand a chance.

If both parties agree on terms (price, etc), you could always hire a RE attorney to go over with and explain the contract to the seller before he or she signs for probably a 1/2-1 hour consultation.

I would now like to try to collect unpaid utility bills and damages from a tenant, but I do not know where to start.Here's where I stand...The tenant moved out on July 31 leaving unpaid utility bills and damages of $723.29 (in addition to his security deposit).

However, the land can be owned by the self-directed IRA and then rented to a third-party provided it is not your parents or theirs children, for example. 

The lease stands and you should negotiate with the distressed seller prima facie. 

Ive been to seminars, groups, and social connecting parties.

I expect that we will use it for a family holiday party, probably one weeks’ vacation a year and a few weekends when we can get away.

If they try and place a lien on the property and you have a signed contract by both parties documenting the scope of work in it's entirety, then you are in the right (as long as you paid them).