Potential first deal

[Isaac B.]

Hello people of BP!

I'm a new investor, have not unlocked any deals at the moment. I'm looking at a pre-forclosure property in my zip code. Did some research on it online and by calling the county court. Found out:

• Property received a Notice of Default (NOD) potentially January this year (been 10 months)
•  It is scheduled for auction in early December this year
•  County said they are current on their taxes
•  Property purchased in 2008. A loan was taken out in 2009 that satisfied the first loan. Then another loan was taken out in 2011.
•  Probate in 2016 as owner passed away. It appears that son has been appointed as the personal representative of the estate. However county confirmed there hasn't been any recording of deed transfer (so probate hasn't been acted on)
•  House was listed on sale in 2016 after probate, but then listing got removed 3 months later.

Based on the price estimates on Zillow I think there may be a good opportunity for a margin depending on how much the property can be purchased for.

I'm at the point where I'm considering contacting the owner (or their heir) of the property either through mail or in person visit to see if they would take a cash offer that can solve their problem, especially since auction date is coming up.

Any advice from you guys would be helpful, I'm a bit nervous to be honest.