How do you buy a foreclosure early or even figure out what bank has it?

[David Kirchhoff]

How do you buy a foreclosure early or even figure out what bank has it?

 I have a 30 mile drive to the office ever day and drive by numerous houses that appear to be in foreclosure. all the tell tale signs, tall grass, signs in the windows stating its been winterized or a lockbox on the door. some of these have been this way for years with no realty signs indicating it's REO. any idea how I find this out and maybe start negotiating with the bank? a house down my road has been this way for 3-4 years and it's worth less than half now due to broken windows and critters moving in. I just cant understand why the banks to move faster to unload these headaches. any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Dave from upstate NY.