sometimes it is tough... I just assisted an auction company on a auction in Bath... Floral Street... and I had a hard time communicating with these folks.

sometimes you can find out info from the auction people, sometimes you can get the information online from companies like RealtyTrac that have a pay per view type service... city hall may have some information for you... including the owner and mortgagor that you can look into further...

often there is a viewing prior to the auction and i've assisted several folks by doing a walk through informal inspection prior to them bidding on a property... just to identify some of the major items.... plumbing, heating, electrical and roofing conditions.

I wish I had some more specifics but I hope this helps some!