However, in a competitive market where deals are transacted much more quickly (and often times off-market), experienced agents/brokers with wide, deep-rooted networks, that facilitate transactions for a living will more often than not have their eyes on most properties before someone skimming the MLS will.

Short of a specif precedent that all auctions are final,  are you prepared to spend years and big $$$ to fight a big bank with deep pockets ? 

I will pay $53 cash to get a discount then refinance so less money down would be higher return.

The property has some back taxes and liens and needs a lot of work but comes at a significant discount, falls within the 70% rule. 

My kids tell me they'll pick out a nice nursing home for me as long as I stick to the plan.Vacation home - don't  discount this as frivolous. 

Are you negotiating a particularly large discount to market?

@Chinmay J.It's a game of patience...Outside of that, the biggest problem is that it is hard to get a deep enough discount for a flip.It might make an okay play for a rental.

I only buy when I can get at least a 10% discount for paying cash.  

Read and understand the paperwork,then make sure if the worst happens you have reserves or alternatives in place so you are not in deep water.

When the market improved I sold it to my renters at a discount and it worked out pretty well for everyone.