How to get leads from banks?

[Armand P.]

Hi 

I'm trying to come up with a value/added way on getting leads from local banks for REO, distressed properties etc...I've heard that most banks only deal with Real Estate Agents directly and won't provide a list to investors. Is this true? If not, any recommendation of how this list can be obtained? Also, someone mentioned trying to go on public records and obtaining a list that way...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks