Pre-foreclosure vs REO question

[Brian Osso]

Just getting started in REI and ultimately looking to utilize the brrrr method to acquire and rent properties.

However, I have a property down the street that I have had my eye on for a while. It’s vacant and distressed, and could potentially be a great property for a flip.

My question is I am confused about the status of the property, and would like some advice. Zillow has the property listed as a pre-forclosure but when I search the county tax assessor site the owner is not listed, the lender is. Again, this is all new to me, but I’m guessing the property is no longer in pre-foreclosure?

At this point who would I contact in attempt to acquire the property?