Is there any option for me to make this a win, win for us both?

It's a win/win.

.$100 for the search seems better than $3-15K for a lost deposit.Plan is to narrow down to 2/3 parcels, have the due diligence research completed, go to the auction with firm maximum bids, Win (at least something), either recoup my bid plus interest if a lien holder wants to maintain interest or wait the redemption period, go through quiet title process and either sell the property or keep it for CF.Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.

Lessoned learned but you still made some cold hard $$$ thats a WIN -WIN!!

I put quite a bit of time into building relationships with other successful realtors in my market because that often allows my clients to get the best deals, win highest and best rounds on the buy side, or get inside information about the buyer's motivation when I am the listing agent. 

Win a lottery> (4)could you recommend a book to me?

@Ikaika FarmerTo be a real estate investor there’s three books that are must reads Rich dad poor dad Richest man in Babylon How to win friends influence people

I like the idea that you created value and it’s a win-win relationship.

The question is how to do this with compassion, create a win-win, and limit our risk. 

Once you find a commercial deal, you have to win it.