Pre-sheriff's sale options?

[Louis Hiza]

Hi all, I recently came across a property that is literally in my parents backyard. It just went into foreclosure and when I called the bank to inquire about it, they said they have no information and to wait for the sheriff's sale. The property is a duplex that would cash flow beautifully and could be managed by my father who is a contractor. I would LOVE to purchase this property, but as I have never participated in a sheriff's sale, I wanted to ask the BP community if there are any ways to gain an upper hand in regards to foreclosures. Is there any way to try and make a deal with the bank pre auction? If not, does anyone have any tips on sheriff sale auctions? Thanks so much!