Buying a property in pre-foreclosure, also in Bankruptcy?

[Brian Degener]

Good Morning,

   Has anyone found any ways to buy a property when it is on a foreclosure track or pre-foreclosure but before the bank has finished the process without having to go through a full short sale? I have found that the short sale process is typically a discouraging grind for homeowners who have walked away and want to move on with their life but would be willing to sign an authorization with us to allow us to negotiate on their behalf.

 Also does anyone have any experience negotiating with the bank if the owner is in or threatening bankruptcy and does that help?

Thank You

Brian