Estate property in Foreclosure--making a deal beforea DC auction, possible?

[Jeffrey Gordon]

we are looking at a property which is coming up for auction shortly. The creditor has been telling us about it for months. His original debtor passed away and a family member is the personal representative.

The auction is being handled by an established local auction house.

The creditor has told us the personal rep can not cure the default which is about 45% of the market value as is.

We own a very similar property already on the street, we know the buildings, the comps for sale/rent and the rehab budgets intimately

We also like the area as it is starting to really break out.

we are wondering if in a foreclosure auction with an estate/probate/personal rep whether any/all of the parties might be able to consummate a deal prior to the auction.

We are not convinced the personal rep would see benefit in doing so, but we dont have a great feel for whether local laws allow an estate/personal rep handling a foreclosure to sell prior to the auction etc.

any wisdom here?

we would like to not offend the creditor as he is a significant property owner locally and could be very helpful.

jeffrey gordon