Auction.com- Due diligence from afar?

[Steve Maye]

I am interested in moving back to my hometown.  I found a property on Auction.com that I am interested in.  I have never bid on a property at auction and need some advice.

I realize I need to do my due diligence.  I was able to drive by the property while I was in town for Thanksgiving.  Due to timing of the trip I was not able to go by the City Recorders office to research liens.  I don't see paying an exorbitant sum for a title company to research this if I have little chance of winning the auction.  Does anyone have a tip on how I can research this property from 600 miles away?