although little known is the record Walleye's are caught in the Columbia River out of the Dalles.. 

City Property/Tax Records (Same owner for 30+ years, Assessment value $131k, last refinanced in 2005)County Lein Records (Tax lien was released to allow mortgage company to auction, owes $19,400 in back property taxes)Report from AuctioneerNotice of Sheriff's Auction from CountyResearched comps in the area to know possible market value ($185k-$215k)Looked at images from Google maps street viewIt's vacant and I've driven by it a few timesI know we'll be able to go in an look around at the auction but other than that, is there any other information I might want to look up before auction day?

Cameras change the game, pure and simple, especially cameras with digital recording, night vision, web upload capabilities, motion detection spotlights.

As a new investor, I see a potential problem with using hard money, as I don't have a track record.

And there is a studio in the basement that is not in use.  

Indicate that you are going to start the eviction process, but if he is out in 10 days and the unit is in expected move out condition, you will provide a positive referral and the eviction will not be on his record.  

I would give an application if they push just so I have a better record of turning them down and why. 

Is it possible that the gap between your shared spaced and a studio or 1 bedroom is too small?   

I've heard that there are inspectors that record what it's like in a typical day's work.

Please look at the appraisal/tax record when you bought the house and allocate the basis based on that.