patrick.net

I figure the best deal might be had by going into a bank and saying what do you got? Is that the best way to buy a foreclosure?

Let us know if this works. I doubt it would though because the banks are hoarding on properties to reduce supply, and increase price. Not very sure if that's working though.

You can subscribe to some sites that will lists REOs as soon as they are sold back to the bank at auction.
You could then try and contact the bank directly and make an offer.
I think you may still need to take eviction of occupants on you. If you live in a rent-controlled area, that can be difficult.
I hear that if you have a friend asset-manager, that helps a whole lot. Wish I knew where to find them :)

Neil says

I hear that if you have a friend asset-manager, that helps a whole lot. Wish I knew where to find them :)

The 'asset managers' i see around here get houses for more than 50% off, flips it, and resells it with the most deceitful tactics (multiple offer claims, counter offering someone that offers their asking price). These are the people that drop their price 4 times, but still end up getting an offer higher than their original asking price. They have no problem putting their property 'back on market' multiple times.