It is not so simple to watch yourself if you're accustomed to writing a check and not looking back.Walter Wofford is a wonderful resource on self-directed IRA investing (I'm a client but have no profit involvement.)  

However, what sparked with is I had emailed some apartment applications to prospective tenants, and they returned them by filling them in electronically.

That being said, there is a lot of competition at the auctions these days and the chance of an "amazing deal" not being recognized and bid on (and probably bid way up) is slim to none in my experience.If you're interested in auctions though, there's nothing wrong with going to watch and see how it works so you'll be more prepared when you have the money to be an actual bidder. 

For example, their application form asked whether the money is to be sent via check or wire transfer, and when we marked "check", they still called to ask for wiring instructions because that is how they decided to send the money.

@Olive watch out with executory contracts in txSee www.lonestarlandlaw.comSee lease option and contract for deed in Texas@Olive Bash

The main thing to watch for is that the LLC needs to actually exist prior to you granting it title of the property.

BP has great information including free online courses and videos for you to watch and learn from.

He's there when I need to be on the phone...when I'm trying to watch a webinar... 

After watching a lot of his stuff it just worries me that I really shouldn't head down this path.

I'm looking forward to watching the Broncos this year.