Bought property on county auction site now have a big issue

[Scott Esmail]

I bought a property on the county auction site however the satisfaction of mortgage that was recorded now is found to be not legit, forged  and never paid off. 

I am thinking  it was recorded by the seller or the wholesaler that was trying to sell this property prior to going up for auction but have no proof who it was. 

Now the 1st lien holder the mortgage that was never paid off, they has issued a lis pendent and starting the foreclosure.  The debt amount for this mortgage is about $20-30 k from what I can find online I am willing to pay if needed but when I called the bank they  wont release any payoff amount if not the past owner. 

The auction just happened and within the 10 day period after the auction. I have made the county aware but am waiting for judge to decide if sale will go thru by I am worried since they dont guarantee clear title they are going to deny my claim for refund.

 I am concern about losing the home and not being able to pay off this loan because I cant get the information.  I can not find the past owner to ask him to request the pay off for a fee which I am willing to do also

[Scott Esmail]

@Jay Hinrichs thank you for the post