Adam, have you tried befriending managers that are around your level in the various leagues on your server. As I understand and waiting to confirm at the start of the new season, the engine hopefully put friends together in the same league. The only risk is that some may arrange unwanted friendlies, but these can be removed and then all is normal.
As for the bidding, you need to know when the market is quite and when busy. You can still get quality players in a quiet market.