Going to an auction with no money

[Adriel Hsu]

In my county, there will be an auction in a few weeks at the tax office.  I don't have enough cash for a down payment let alone an auction where all cash is required on a purchase the day of.  But what if I find an amazing deal, that no one else wants or maybe other people have their eyes on another property, and I know I can make a nice profit flipping it, but I don't have the cash there.

Should I ask for private money BEFORE the auction, and then just return it if I don't get anything?

I can't really take loans out for auctions, so I'm wondering what I should do if that situation arises.

Thanks