The sellers agent would become an intermediary (if the seller allows) or hire an agent for you. 

Therefore you'll want to verify this property satisfies those figures and timeframes in order to make it possible, or else they could pull out of the deal.Definitely get with a solid qualified intermediary to insure you're following all the rules to pull it off, or else taxes could turn this deal sideways.

I'd say get a really good 1031 intermediary and have the client run the full scenario by them to stay in compliance. 

The title is held by an entity created by the licensed 1031 intermediary.

As I understood sheriff sale and similar auction properties aren't viable as replacement properties through a straight 1031 exchange because of operational difficulties - e.g. the funds from the property sold should be held by the Qualified Intermediary (QI) who could not possibly release it on time to pay the sheriff sale dues - which are depending on your jurisdiction an up-front part and the rest be paid in a very short notice.

From what I understand it needs to be a "like-kind" property.That means multifamily to multifamily, retail to retail, single family to single family.I'd call a 1031 intermediary to ask specific questions, they won't charge you for a conversation. 

Generally it is better to find an owner of a property that doesn't have other intermediaries.

For example, with REO property the Purchase and Sale Agreement must be assigned to the Qualified Intermediary in order to integrate the property into your 1031 Exchange transaction. 

Actually i was planning to go to a sheriff sale tomorrow and just struck me that i need the funds from the intermediary.

@Matt Smith, when you say "...where I would wire the money..." are you referring to your 1031 intermediary or did you actually receive the funds from closing of your sale?