Contacting bank for possible foreclosure status?

[Jon Sheffield]

Hello all,

I've been looking at this fourplex that has an out of state owner and looks distressed. Looking at the deed I came across a couple of interesting things unpaid taxes etc. I also came across a portion where a bank was recorded as the appointment substitute trustee. Through my research it says that when a bank is assigned as a substitute trustee the property is about to go through foreclosure. If this is true can you contact the bank to possibly workout a purchase agreement with the bank. Are there any possible regulations against this? This is within Washington, D.C. and I understand everywhere is different bust just wanted to know has anyone done something close to this. I have sent a letter to the owner and not sure if they want to sell and of course as of right now it's not listed anywhere. Thanks in advance for your help.