Anyone purchased a property from the owner prior to auction?

[Hen Ley]

There is a pre-foreclosure property headed to auction at the courthouse steps that I'm very interested in purchasing.  I've sent a couple mailings to the private owners with no response.  I've also called a landline number I believe is current, though it's never answered and no voicemail option.  The house is a little remote and so going to the front door, or even their neighbors, somehow seems a little more intrusive.  Any suggestions as to better ways to reach out that they might be receptive to?