Interesting Foreclosure Opportunity

[Paul G.]

OK,

So, I've been doing research in a community where I'm purchasing another property and I've found one condo that is suppose to be auctioned off in November as a foreclosure. I started doing some sleuthing around on the property and found that there was a lien placed on the property by the HOA in 2008 for about $900. There was an attempted Trustee Sale that was cancelled later that year.

Now I see in 2017 the HOA has filed a judgement against the property owner for about 4K.

I know she has a mortgage (1st) for $36,000 that she opened up in 2005. (in 12 years, assuming she was making most if not all payments, she should owe about 27K on the property). There is no second on the property that I'm aware of, and it looks like the only lien is through the HOA. Taxes are up to date.

This property I believe is now worth around 95K (Give or take 10K to either side).

I have very little experience in foreclosure proceedings, but I feel like this could be an absolute steal.  Title could get a little ugly here though.

With that being said, what is my best course of action?  

Contact the Trustee of the sale to verify that it is indeed going to foreclosure and verify the date of the auction?

Can I contact the HOA and take ownership through the judgement by buying the debt?

Or do I contact the owners and see if they'd be willing to sell for a steep discount?

I have a current mailing address for the owner of the property and could potentially send a letter to them.

Even if I had to pay 60K for the property + pay off HOA Judgement, this could potentially be a steal of a deal.

Again, not ever working through a foreclosure, what are ways that I can swoop in and get a deal before it goes to auction?