Possible to Buy a Scheduled Foreclosure Before the Auction?

[Mark J.]

#1  If a property is scheduled for auction on the Hillsborough county, FL foreclosure site, is it possible to approach the bank directly and make an offer on the property before the auction date? Can you do a deal with the homeowner?

#2  I've noticed that some of the most interesting properties transitioned from the auction calendar to the "Closed or Cancelled" category a few days or weeks before the auction. What are some common reasons for this? Are they being picked-off or resolved with the homeowner?

Many thanks in advance!

Mark...