Local Heroes
          
               So far, we've described the opportunities available
          at federal government auctions.  State, county, and city
          governments also seize property and auction off surplus
          goods.  If you live in an area where federal auctions
          aren't easily accessible, you can still cash in on local
          offerings.
               In big cities such as New York, autos are regularly
          auctioned by agencies such as New York City's Department
          of Transportation as well as its police department.
               In some cities, police auctions include merchandise
          other than cars.  Stolen merchandise that hasn't been
          claimed often winds up in a police warehouse.  This
          merchandise usually includes TVs, VCRs, radios, stereo
          equipment, jewelry, and bicycles.
               Police auctions, outside of large cities, tend to be
          very informal.  Word gets around and bids are taken, "as
          is," often with no time for inspection.  Prices are
          extremely low because the merchandise often has been
          abused.  Local sheriff's and marshal's offices auction
          similar merchandise with similarly low prices, but with
          questionable pedigrees.  You likely will be able to track
          down your hometown auctions with a phone call or two.
               Many states auction surplus property just as the
          federal GSA does.  Ask your state government's public
          information office for details.