Foreclosure: Inspection prior to auction?

[Devan Johnson]

Apologies in advance if this is an elementary question, but how is it possible to get a simple understanding of the property condition prior to bidding? Knock on the door?

Additionally...are all auctions cash deals? As I understand it, once a property goes to county auction, purchases are in cash.  If this is not the case, how do I arrange financing for such a transaction? 

Thanks!