REO property at bank cost?

[Alan Yu]

I was able to track down few properties purchased by bank at wholesale. From my experience few weeks later these properties will pop up on the MLS with around 17% mark up from the bank purchase price. I guess the 17% is to cover the 6% listing agent commission, misc cost and of course profit for the bank. Is it possible to offer the bank at cost (purchase price)? Any ways to get around this to get better deal? I was thinking to track down the listing agent then deal with the broker directly before the property hit the MLS.

Any advice welcome, thanks.