Okay, maybe I was assuming a bit with the walking around inside, will email the auctioneer to verify. 

You need someone local.Even if someone like myself walked through a unit and gave you a tight number, it would be worthless because I don't know what subs/materials/etc go for in your area.

For example, say your estimated value of 140K is correct, you could possibly walk away with 50K in a cash out refinance after renovations, and 25% down payment.

Ironically, I would walk away with what I put in - $150k.I would like to buy a SFH or preferably a duplex where the monthly cash flow could be about $150 - $200.

Not saying not to do it but it’s walking a fine line.In several states including Maryland it’s considered predatory approaching borrowers who are in pre foreclosure / behind on payments and the fines are HUGE.I always go by the “how would this look on the front page of the New York Times” with business.

I especially dislike a woman who looks like she is a walking billboard for...whatever.   

I am allergic to cats so this makes me biased but they stink and I can usually tell there is a cat in the house as soon as I walk in. 

I too read Rich Dad Poor Dad and the lightbulb went off and kept getting brighter and brighter every time I walked into my store to clock in.

In more detail, this would be my advice, based on what friends have done:  Buy a house with a lot of bedrooms and bathrooms for its price with a walk-out basement; have other people (usually servicemembers) as roommates, renting by the room; house-hack the basement into another unit, and as long as you don't install a stove you stay legal where you aren't allowed to subdivide but you can still have a large toaster oven, a hot plate, and a full sized fridge; then you have two complete units (local-style) when you are deployed elsewhere that will result in a decent positive cashflow and, if you bought in the right place, probably appreciation; cash out whenever the market surges and invest in somewhere that cashflows better with all your profits.  

Hosting can be simple, there’s no magic to it, and it doesn’t take some insane mansion to walk away from your 9-5.