Liens on Properties auctioned at the Courthouse

[Marian Smith]

Our county clerks office seems to be pretty prompt about getting digital images online of records that have been filed. I don't know if title companies rely on the same digital images we see on the county web site or if they go to the clerk's office and check physical files???
But I am curious about what experiences anyone has had with liens on properties purchased at auction. Are they negotiable? If it is for a 2k water softener can you just say come and get it? One frequent auction buyer bought a house with a lien for the pool. He can't tell the lien holder, "Come and get it." Will he rent the property until the pool builder goes out of business or the statute of limitations runs out (if it ever does). I am sure it wasn't a mistake, this guy is too experienced.
Another curious item. Another house he bought at auction has a lis pendes filed on it by the foreclosed upon ex-owner. Evidently they are protesting the foreclosure. I understand that is a cloud on title, but will it prevent the sheriff from evicting them?