Leveraging cash to buy foreclosure or get mortgage?

[Von S.]

I have always been too afraid of looking into foreclosures that have to be purchased sight unseen but I finally found one that will be holding an open house. For those who buy foreclosures, how often do you use cash vs mortgage? (I know a lot of them want cash only buyers) How much discount do you ask for when using cash? I would like to get a good deal but also do not want to lose out to someone offering a higher bid but going through a bank. Any advice or experiences to share?