:In PA, and in other states, auctions can mean different things.There are private auctions where I just choose to sell my home in an auction scenario (I actually think this is pretty common in Australia - maybe someone from Oz and chime in on that).Auctions can also refer to the compelled or forced sale of a property by the State/County for various reasons.I assume you are asking about the 2 most common forced sales - foreclosures (failure to pay your mortgage, bank sues and the Sherriff sells your home to satisfy the bank) and tax sales (failure to pay your taxes and the State/County sells your home to satisfy your tax bill).I have not participated in the PA foreclosure and tax sale business in 20 years, so things may have changed, but if someone here is more up to date maybe they can correct my answer with new info.Both types of sales have their own areas of risk that you need to educate yourself on.Value is a top issue - you need to know how much the home is really worth before you get into any of the below. 

Knowing nothing about your area, I would ask: what are the most recent county, city, and local demographics?

Here in California property taxes are assessed and billed at the county level.

I was going to use a proportional ratio based on county assessment to figure out the value of the building. 

If you live in Orange County you look to Riverside to invest, if you live in Riverside you look to Apple Valley, if you live in Apple Valley you look to Bakersfield or Texas or Ohio. 

I've been in contact with Khiry Robinson as well since he has looked to invest in Bell County, TX. 

Find the owners of those vacant properties by using your local county property appraiser.

It used to be just the tri county Portland area but with the new law it has forced there hands statewide.

I am looking for some advice to help my parents. They have no clue and have an attorney that is apparently no help. Beside getting a better attorney, which I plan to address, what resources can I point them to for get...

Be aware that certain cities within Cuyahoga County have point of sale inspections.