Sheriff sale question - bid

[Ron Singh]

Hello i have question on how do i know what would be starting bid at the sheriff sale ?

I checked with the owner about the pay off amount prior to auction date and he found it was 208k. But after auction the property was sold for 160k. Do you know how it works ? Is there anyway I can predict or find out the starting g bid ahead of time ?

also i have another question on how can i practice title search by my own, i have access to land records online in my county but i need someone else's opinion to decide what i see is looks good to move ahead. if anyone of you can help me with may be 1-2 properties title search would be great help.