Can you buy a property before a foreclosure auction in Massachusetts?

[John J Murray]

Hello, 

I'm a 22 year old contractor and I've been researching different ways to acquire properties in my state of Massachusetts due to the competitiveness at all the foreclosure auctions I attend, there are a lot of "bigger fish" that have more funds to spend then I can/the bank bids them up. I was curious if anyone knows if you're able to purchase the property before the auction as in going straight to the owner. When researching I've gotten mixed answers such as you can or you can't once there is a set date for the auction. If anyone has any info on this i'd greatly appreciate it.

Thank you