Seek advice

My hu*****and works at a university and we are interested in investing house nearby for renting. Just saw a brick house for auction and called the auctioneer. Was told that the house owner is dying and her kids resorted to auction after putting the house on market for over 160 days. The house is paid off. Saw many posts here re: bank foreclosures. So for this type of auction, in addition to looking before hand, any other things we need to pay attention? And where we can find more information about it? Really appreciate your advice!