Most people are willing to make an easy $50, just remember to be respectful of their situation.In our area there is a lot of competition at the auctions and it is not uncommon to see properties bid up to almost ARV and then adding repairs does not give you much margin to play with so any mistakes can cost you big time. 

I'm here to 'one up,' the establishment. ;-)

Even though the area is not large it seems that each area has their own group of established investors.  

If that's the case, and if you cannot get financing (either b/c you don't have established credit or b/c you have a part time job), then you could try buying something in cash, doing owner's financing (where the seller finances the house for you, acting as the bank, this happens mostly with people who have paid off the house already, a lot of times older people), or a rent to own (but oftentimes this isn't a good value for your money so be careful and research this a lot!). 

Those are very respectable returns. 

The redemption period is established on the day the suit is filed by a taxing authority; as established with the county appraisal district, and it's issuance of the appropriate exemption. 

Ive got a long term marketing plan established and expect there will be more. 

It would definitely help to know what I should be mindful and respectful of when approaching an agent about being a buyers rep.2) If we were working together as agent and investor, what sort of interaction and milestones would keep you interested in a continued relationship where both parties are receiving benefit, and on the flip side... what would make you want to walk away?

I have been looking at a few potential opportunities in Newton but have been hesitant only since I don't know much about the dynamics of Newton.Also, I should have an official investor group established within the next month or so.

My opinion is that tax assessor data is completely useless for establishing property value.