I use zelle for convenience.

Well, first off anyone who bids 1% is gambling on the fact that the owner will redeem the property and NOT go over 3 years.

The emerald coast (Navarre Beach to Panama City Beach) 1Beautiful Beaches: The Emerald Coast is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular vacation destination.2Growing Tourism Industry: The area is experiencing steady growth in tourism, which means a steady demand for rental properties, making it an attractive market for real estate investment.3Outdoor Activities: There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boating, fishing, golfing, and hiking, which attract both tourists and residents.4Excellent Weather: With mild winters and warm summers, the Emerald Coast enjoys excellent year-round weather, making it an ideal place to own a vacation or investment property.5High Quality of Life: The Emerald Coast has a high standard of living, with excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a low crime rate.7Diverse Real Estate Options: The Emerald Coast has a variety of real estate options, including beachfront condos, townhouses, single-family homes, and investment properties, to suit different budgets and preferences.8Favorable Market Conditions: The real estate market on the Emerald Coast has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, with strong demand and increasing property values.9Proximity to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport: The Emerald Coast is easily accessible, with the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport located nearby, offering convenient access to major cities.10Active and Engaging Community: The Emerald Coast has an active and engaging community, with plenty of events, festivals, and activities that bring people together, making it an excellent place to live and invest.

I'm available at your convenience, so please let me know what works best for you.I'd like to note that I am selective with whom I meet, so I appreciate the opportunity to connect with someone who is passionate and dedicated to real estate investing.

The most convenient and less risky way  way for you to start would to buy  house at your duty station, and then rent it out  after you PCS.  

I am form Southern CA and never heard of it.In all seriousness, the holiday months of the winter are typically slower times for real estate sales, however, in a flip, time is your enemy and holding a Property longer just to get through that time is typically not going to be prudent as the costs to hold vs the potential higher sale price come Spring is a huge gamble I would not be willing to take. 

Industries leave, aren't replaced, services are weaned (ie - policing) more permits for fast food places and convenience stores go up (you don't see this in the areas "fled" to) .. mix these and the property value already takes a hit, which means the school funding will be hit harder (local RE affects school funding in most locales).

I think someone buying a property that doesn't positively cash flow and is counting on appreciation is taking a gamble, but to each their own.

Since the owner gets any overage past the tax/legal bill, its a gamble.  

I get that some people are willing to pay for convenience and companies like this make it possible to make 10% to 20% returns with no effort or experience.