interest rates would be higher but if you go with FHA loan you maybe able to get in at lower rate and lower down payment. 

So even if you're the winning bidder, they will re-list the property at the same price or a slightly lower price.

Going to try and purchase a condo through them on the lower end of the scale to test the waters before I hopefully move onto more and bigger deals.Thanks!

Can you live with a friend to lower your current rent/mortgage?  

I'm biased though because I have lived in middle/upper middle class area my whole life and would never live in a lower middle class/low class neighborhood area.

Since you live in Milpitas, with regards to your Prop 13 tax basis, if you are 55 years of age or older, check with the Santa Clara County Tax Assessor.https://www.sccassessor.org/index.php/forms-and-publications/forms/60-ah-transfer-your-assessed-value-prop-60-90When I sold my long-time San Jose home three years ago, I considered my tax basis transfer options if I remained in California, but decided to retire to a state with a lower cost of living and no state income tax.

This would still provide a lower payment than I have currently.

HELOC is a good option for lower closing costs, though rates are probably higher than a mortgage and may continue rising.

All this to say, a voluntary vacancy in January is filled with temptation to either lower one's standards or pay a high price in utility bills, insurance premiums and potentially emergency repairs. 

Numbers are based on list price of $575,000 but i would list at $599,000https://bp-v-newproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/upload...Since I am in the construction business these numbers are realistic and I would hope to complete the job at a lower cost.