Negotiating Lender Balance 1st and 2nd Lien

[Jessica Oots]

Hello, my company is purchasing a property for $160k and the seller owes $142k on the 1st and $80k on the 2nd. The property will be going to auction as soon as they can resume. 

We want to see if there's any angle we have to negotiate the debt down on the first. This wouldn't be a short sale to the first since we are technically paying more than he owes on the first. 

I understand I can negotiate with the 2nd, but it's a private party and he is more uncooperative. I know if/when the auction happens his lien will be wiped so he may talk later.

For now, we are seeing what the first lien holder will do. Does anyone have tips/experience/pointers on how I can navigate this?

Thanks!