Buying houses at auctions

[BJ Ralphs]

How can I get solid information on liens or county fines placed on vacant properties selling at auction.

In state of Washington title companies seem to find it a burden to provide much info. In Oregon they charge a fee up to $400 for a preliminary title report.

That could get expensive. Bit I've heard a few investors at auction say "be careful" they have purchased properties with as much as $50 k in county liens they weren't aware of.

Should I be able to get all this info from County records?

Thanks!