If the food is good he is committed and from the area I think it makes sense.  

The neatest trick with the travel write-offs too is that you can write-off the per diem amount for the city rather than your actual food and such expenses.

If a defaulted note is being auctioned, and has a 2nd lien, is the opening bid the amount the amount that the first lien holder agrees to accept? 

I called up the lien holder and asked what he would need to release his lien.  

This is, of course, food for at least another post .

I know the tax lein holder gets their money back plus the interest amount they won at the bidding process, but who gets the rest?

The  junior (sometimes referred to as the 2nd mortgage holder) will drive the bid up because  the jr lienholder is entitled to the excess sales proceeds above (the judgment amount of) $25k.Would competitors bid as high as (or very close to) the AVCompetitors should probably bid based on the average retail value (ARV) ... not the Assessed Value. 

As stated above, except for any food or drink you happen to order there is no charge to attend.

BUt to "TEACH" and take time away from doing my deals, putting food on my table to help others.. not so much.How long..

The code and case law leave us guessing on this specific case of a plan holder providing professional services to their plan.