Bid at the auction.

That's correct 27.5 

And did I read correctly that you've done a few wholesale deals?

Now I know what I'm negotiating on with the banks/credit unions I have lined up.One note of interest to me: I called Capital One and they have a recourse loan that doesn't require any cash reserves, I even asked the question a second time to make sure I heard that correctly.

the absolute norm when dealing with contractorsmost won't bother to even get you a bid most of the rest will bid and agree to work, then no-showof those, half will show up late or half drunk and do shoddy work the ones that do really good work and are professional are holding out for larger jobsWhen you find a great contractor, just go ahead and kidnap him, Hold himin a basement until Stockholm syndrome sets in and he is happy to work on your projects.

Essentially can an unethical realtor start a bidding war between Buyers A and B on 123 Main street even if there are no other offers from any other buyers of any realtor. 

So the seller stopped paying the taxes and the property went to tax sale, where nobody would bid on the property except one person who bid the minimum bid. 

Some issues we are pondering:  How much to set the initial bid? 

Very few rentals close by (at least for now, in winter), but desirable location.We will do some updating no matter what:New laminate floor in kitchen/hallSiding needs replacing (have some insurance $ for that)Fresh paintNeeds new windows (maybe).Needs a bunch of concrete work (garage floor, driveway, stoop, walk to door).With those improvements we should be able to get at least $1000/mo.A room addition to add a large ensuite Bedroom/bath, and a laundry room to get the washer, dryer out of the garage, the bid came in at 59000 (This includes the siding).  

I am looking for one that I could hopefully call regarding foreclosures and auctions to ensure the title is clean before I buy/bid.