Foreclosure Opportunity - Is it staring me in the face?

I have an inkling that my neighbor across the street is going through the foreclosure process. However it hasn't been listed in the consumer world and I haven't caught them in person to ask. 1.) For future reference Besides asking someone if they are being foreclosed on what is a more political tactic that can be effective? 2.) What is the process of accessing your local foreclosures early? Some sort of public record? 3.) in this case if I wanted to "save" them from the foreclosure on their credit history how could I buy it outright and offer to them directly? I feel like there is an easy tactic to be successful here depending upon their reaction. Can I offer them cash down and to pay off the loan if they sign over? If so which lending route do I take?