Previous owner walked away

[Paul Gupta]

Hi, I found a couple properties where the previous owners walked away.  I researched them hoping to get a below-market buy (all cash), but I dont see how I can benefit from this information.  Here's why:

Presumably they walked away since the places are underwater.  If so, it seems the only approach would be to convince them to do a short sale - but since they have already walked away, their credit is already shot from missing multiple payments, so they have little incentive to listen to me.  

Opinions?  Should I let this go or is there a play here?  Thanks.