Purchasing Pros & Cons -Auctions, REO, Probate, Gov Owned, etc.

Hi, I'd enjoy hearing from the BP experts out there. What are your pros & cons for purchasing homes via: Online Auctions, Sheriff/Courthouse Auctions, REO/Bank Owned, Government Owned, Probate, and any other non-MLS ways to find discounted homes. I know it's highly dependent on your strategy & location. But, I'd compile a general reference file so when I'm searching, I can refer back to understand all of the differences. Happy to share it once compiled.

I understand some you have to pay back taxes, others the taxes are already paid ... others might have liens, some you can walk through prior to purchasing ... some you can finance while others are cash only ... What are your opinions on the pros, cons, benefits, and what to watch out for when purchasing a home via these different strategies? Thanks - Stewart Swayze