I am considering bidding on an out of state home. The ad says high bidder will receive sale marketable deed. Does this mean title search has been cleared of liens and levies? Also, any tips on essential steps for successful experience?

Not always, you need to contact the auction company and get that specificly in writing. While it should mean that it may also mean they have taken the word of the family that there is no lien against the property. Always contact the seller to verify all questions.
And you should also inspect the property, and ask for a home inspection if you are serious and want to be sure of the value.

Getting a home with no working furnace, serious code violations and the such