I dont really NEED the ~$200-300/mo cash flow that most properties seem to generate after the mortgage expenses, but not getting that return and possibly having the property go down in value later makes the whole thing a moot point as well. 

Also how would you generate a profit margin when it comes to auctions?

Hire a RMLO or Mortgage Broker to be able to look through a credit application and a mortgage applicationLook at debt to earnings ratio or DTI, look at credit, look at length of employment, look at length the residency in the area,You need to sell to the tenant buyer the neighborhood and for them to want what the house offers the family,  to be able to step into that opportunity to get out of that apartment or rental property. 

When the bank can't generate a cashier's check they can't send a wire transfer either.

Being self employed with as a network marketer allows me the freedom to pursue another form of income as well as the flexibility to be in any market. 

You need to be checking for evictions, criminal convictions, and employment history just like you would any other tenant.Find our where your local (local to your property) Sect 8 office is and go visit it.  

In return I hope I can learn how to generate leads and capitalize on opportunities in the multi-family market.  

"Risk taking generates growth by moving resources to enterprises which create future jobs and consumption opportunities.Without stable and transparent economic roles that allow and encourage a reasonable return for risk taking, growth will not occur, as even wrong entrepreneurs will refuse to take risk.Low interest rates do not encourage creative risk taking, but create just more highly leveraged investments in low risk instruments.

I have a retirement account from a previous employer.

The due on sale clause generates a lot of debate on biggerpockets, but me and my colleagues have yet to see a performing note (a mortgage that is getting paid) get foreclosed on based upon that clause.