approaching raw land buyers before you've attained property

[Joe Mclain]

I have a deal out there that I am not sure about the interest from buyers in the area.  Has anyone ever approached a buyer before the deal is closed?  For example: approach neighbors of the property to see if they would be interested before you close.  If so how early in the process do you scope that out.  Do you wait for the handshake where you are waiting on the closing or prior to that?  

Joe