The rights of the several parties may be determined in the action. If a party having a share or interest in or lien upon the property is unknown, or any of the known parties reside out of the state or cannot be found in the state, the summons may be served upon the absent or known party by publication as in other actions. Where a sale of the property is necessary, the title shall be ascertained by proof to the satisfaction of the court before the sale may be ordered.