Buying Just Days Before the Auction

[William Jasin]

I am very new to REI, I'm looking for my first deal.

I found a nice house in a nice neighborhood that is being auctioned off in 6 days with a ridiculously  small final judgment amount.

1) Is it possible to buy from the owner at this late stage? Or do I have to wait and try my hand at the auction?

2) If buying is an option, what would be the best approach (I have not had any contact yet).

3) Anything you can think of that I should be looking out for?