Determing 1st or 2nd Mortgage @ Sheriff Sales / Auction

[Matt Collins]

Hi all, just jumping into Sheriff sales for foreclosures. 

Trying to research as much as i can before bidding on a property.

I have access to public recorded documents, such as mortgages on properties, however on properties that have multiple mortgages to the same person on the same house through the same lender, i cant seem to determine which lien holder position is foreclosing (1st mortgage or 2nd mortgage).  I also do not have access to any lien/mortgage release documents in my county without doing a full blown paid title search.

My question then becomes, in Ohio, how do you determine which lien position is foreclosing on the property if both mortgages are from the same lender?

The sheriff sale list does provide me with a case #, plaintiff and defendant, so i can look up the case information, which usually lists any other parties with liens involved.

Thanks for your time!