I would like to find a solution where I can help the homeowner and get a deal, but I obviously don't want to violate any laws or get in trouble.I would appreciate if anyone has any advice or can point me somewhere else that discusses this.Thanks in advance!

Is there a way to contact the lender or lendee before the auction to discuss a short sale?

The OP is in Florida, so we are discussing FL laws.

I asked him how much he owed, discussed the cost of hiring a real estate agent, the items potential buyers would ask him to coordinate/fix (cosmetic; floor, paint, cleaning) and the time it would take to sell.

Would love to discuss offline if you are interested.

I have made contact with an investor from the site and plan on a meet up next week to discuss this whole topic, in addition, I will also be attending a real state meet-up here locally.

I would like to discuss this further with you.

Nigel Johnson PM me for a contract and a quick discussion on your game plan.

A simple llc partnership will do and the returns discussed above pretty much frame the range of investment options available.

I think it was him that discusses this very concept.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/08/2...https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/07/0...http://houseflippinghq.com/hfhq-24-high-end-house-flipping-will-bernard-part-1/ and http://houseflippinghq.com/hfhq-25-rehabbing-selling-high-end-flips-will-bernard-part-2/