Can you buy a HUD before its listed

[Tom C]

I just ran into a strange situation that hopefully someone can shed some light on.. I just found an investor who has a property listed for sale. I did a check on the property and it is still in HUD's name on the county auditors site. The problem I have with this is:

1. The property was never listed on HUD's web site for sale.
2. HUD does not have it recorded on their site under recent sales.

So, how did this company/investor get their hands on this property? I ask them the question, but chances are, they won't tell me.