Buying Pre-Foreclosure Properties

[THU NGUYEN]

Hello BP members,

I know of a few pre-foreclosure houses in my subdivision where I live and where I have properties for rent.  Is there a check list of all the due diligence steps I should do (doing my homework) before approaching the owner?  I got the name, the address, tax records, 1st mortgage info...but how do I find out of owners owe back tax, second lien, third lien...etc.

Thank you much in advance.  There is so much to learn, so little time...:)