Title research / commitment prior to auction - Richmond VA ?

[Marco Carrillo]

Hello everyone.  

I am trying to buy an auction.com property.  The description says that they will provide a special warranty deed if title can be purchased without delaying the close.  Otherwise, they will provide a quit claim deed.

I got advice that it would be good to get a title commitment on a property prior to bid on a trustee auction or an auction.com property.

Several questions I have,

1.  How much can I expect to pay for a title commitment?

2. Is this money well spent?

3.  Does anyone know a local (in the Richmond area) or national (web-based) company that provides this type of service that you would recommend?

4.  Any additional advice regarding minimizing title risk.

Appreciate your help.