Strategy? Approaching Sellers - Before the Sheriff Sale?

[Vincent Plant]

I have just begun to look into purchasing some sheriff sales. I jumped through all the hoops and registered for the upcoming monthly auction. Once I got on, about 85% of the properties did not actually up for bidding. They were either stayed or postponed. 

Is it possible to approach the sellers of these homes and offer to buy from them directly? Maybe giving them some favorable terms? Allowing them to rent back, paying their liens off etc. 

Is there anyone doing this at a high level?