Get a lawyer involved and begin the eviction now to protect everyone's rights.

Your buddy needs to get a lawyer and regain control of his property.

Also, lawyers would need to facilitate the transaction which might scare away some less savvy buyers. 

Association rep says I'd have to wait for it to go to Auction, but really would like to avoid the commissioner showing it for 3 weeks prior and having open house in the place where I live...So any thoughts on how to get in touch with the lender or lawyer maybe to see if they'd entertain an offer?

I am not a lawyer.  

Lawyer/escrow 2.someone with MLS access3.OF course rehab buyers4.couple wholesalers to expand my network.5. insurence guy /title check up

To give some more information on my plan, I am in the beginning stages of contacting lawyers, agents, contractors, mortgage brokers, and hard money lender to build out my contact list.Simultaneously, I am beginning to develop systems for generating leads.I have been listening to the BP Podcast for the past year and it has been a tremendous help in driving my interest in REI.  

I really think you should consult a lawyer with these questions.  

I know a lawyer could figure it out anyway if they really wanted to either way but if I'm in the mix anyway managing the properties I don't see the difference.  

I would advise yourself, your agent and potentially a lawyer to read the lease.