Can I buy a home before the auction starts?

[Patrick Bergeron]

The local Property tax sale is coming up in a few weeks in San Diego County, CA, and the list of properties has been released. Is there anything stoping me from approaching the sellers prior to the start of the auction to try and purchase their properties? I was thinking of offering something higher than their tax lien (maybe double??), and a "subject-to" with their mortgage if they have one? I would also do a title report before making this offer to minimize any other pitfalls. This may be a county specific question, but any insight is appreciated!