Back in the day the auctions were in person, not necessarily online.

This type of loan is popular as it does not require any personal income.

but it takes time and effort - like going to the market IN PERSON, and setting up a team IN PERSON. 

You will want to view the property in person before conditions are removed. 

My question is I have about $30,000 in cash that I am comfortable using, but would like to keep that and see if I can get a home equity loan (since it is paid off and I could get at least $200,000) and use that to purchase my first rental property.

Again your personal strengths and desires will play a huge role.

Just like you would do with any non-family contractor working for you:- get them to complete Form W9 for you, as you will need their SSNs- have them provide receipts for materials/supplies and keep those receipts- have a written labor agreement (how much and for what) - pay for materials separately from labor- make all payments electronically rather than cash so you can trace them- pay out of your business account, not personal- issue them 1099s next year if you paid them $600 or more for labor (for the whole year, not per job): https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1167632-expla... 

Is there a way to get in personal contact?

A person came by and was interested in renting it out and was willing to put some work in it.

I most likely would be paid, but most likely be late and have to chase after them, and the nun tenants would have to chase their AP.