Anyone here ever purchase real estate or any other sort of asset (cars, jewelry, or whatever) from a Sheriff's Sale or a Tax Sale?

I'm getting to the point where I have a bit more cash than I need, and this would be something to do with it.

I have a friend who's dad does this (they live halfway across the country from me), but he's somewhat tight-lipped about it, for some reason.

Anyway, any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated.