When a loan is secured by a piece of real estate, a mortgage or deed of trust is recorded with the county.  

Any good organizations to help out with? 

^^But what I learned is this - if you can deliver value, then you will be given opportunities.I helped organize a Meetup.

My pessimistic self is guessing that the bank has obtained the property via a judicial means and the "owner" is now just an occupant waiting to be evicted. ...Rather than guessing, go to the local county recorder and see if the deed has the seller's name or some other name.

When the organization beliefs are top down, it tends to spread.

Ensure that they have a track record for providing an exceptional service and you will find yourself working with a true professional.

You can find out if the owner has paid off the mortgage by checking with the recorder's off ice. 

If you struggle to make connections and people are clearing out, wait around for an opportunity to speak with the organizer who will be the last one out the door.

you could check the register of deeds, if that county lists those records

Some of the organizations that I've worked with include the following:Society of St.