As far as sheriff sales, are you looking at opening bids the day before sale, or just judgements?

After the judgement, the judge says I still have the option to "work it out" with them.

I have found that if you can get in touch with the borrower, it's best to have them sign a DIL, a consent judgement, a settlement agreement, and the permission to negotiate on their behalf all at once.

It's pointless to file eviction waste money and for what they are gone... legally ya ,, I'm a stickler for doing it the proper way.. this instance,, it's clear the tenant was gone... and owner had right to secure the property. the owners next recourse is small claims court which we all know is a waste of time. he's not likely ever to see a dime although he'll most likely win the claim. collecting on a judgement is more than likely a lost cause. 

Are there any judgements against him? 

Sellers will try to get you sucked in with emotions which only cloud your judgement.  

Collecting money from judgement is hard.. what your after is possession of the apartment. 

This is what we look for regarding credit history.FINANCIAL/CREDIT HISTORY1.No outstanding debt to previous rental property owners.2.No outstanding debt to utility companies.3.No outstanding debt in excess of $1000 that is not in a payment plan.4.No excessive monthly financial obligations - more than 20% of income.5.Lack of credit history or marginal credit history may result in additional security deposit. 6.Derogatory credit (past due accounts, collections, charge off accounts, tax liens, judgements in excess of $1000 and/or bankruptcy) may result in additional security deposit or denial.

I’m glad I trusted my judgement and we both have mutual respect towards one another.  

In that case you can work on getting a judgement against the tenant in landlord tenant court and or small claims court.