As a result, I anticipate that the auction will not be cancelled or delayed and that the bank (Wells Fargo in this case) will own the property at the end of the auction.My question is this:  Does a representative for the bank or the bank's attorney attend the auction in person?

If I was representing a buyer and the seller balked at any reports, I would assume they were hiding something. 

Ontario represent!

Go to a few board meetings and talk to the representing lawyers who are there with clients to find a good one, AND check the last few meetings minutes and find the lawyer that was most successful. 

You just need to consistently market to property owners and possibly get connected with a buyer's agent that represent buyers who purchase foreclosures.

To avoid being a bridesmaid buyer, representing yourself might not be the best idea.

Next do a search in the probate records for the deceased and it should show you the PR's (Personal Representative) name and address.

If the property is in your own name, then you can represent yourself without an attorney.

Since I'm not paying the 6%, the seller is, should I work with a local broker to represent me?

Yes this can be done, but there is no way I or someone I represent would be involved in this type of transaction.