Joshua, This one has already had an offer accepted contingent upon an inspection and short sale so third party approval required.  

Now outs or contingencies in that scenario. 

In both cases, there are usually contingencies in the P&S that let you get out of the deal if the inspection is not satisfactory or you can't get "conventional, market rate" financing. 

Knowing this, part of me wants to give her a our best offer contingent on walking the property.

I am wondering, If I go under contract to buy a foreclosure property in "as in" condition, and no contingencies.

All you can do is tie it up in contract with an appraisal contingency, order the appraisal, and hope for the best.

Finally, back to the sellers being more serious, the buyers for their homes often have to sell as well, and want to drop that home sale contingency ASAP....thus resulting in further price reductions in the market on their own homes.I serve Essex and Morris counties. 

If there is a clause that states that closing is "contingent on buyer obtaining financing" then it shouldn't be a problem.

There should be some language in your agreement about contingencies.

I’m new to this and don’t know much about auctions and if there are any contingencies when it comes to foreclosures due to death.