Tax foreclosure purchase in north carolina

hello,

Is it legal to offer the owner of a home under tax foreclosure a cash buyout before the auction at the courthouse?  This home is in North Carolina which is does not sell tax liens so you must bid on the home when the auction is finally scheduled then wait through the 10 day upset bid period. If so, what is the best way to approach the owner? I found a home I would love to have but I am pretty sure I would be outbid at auction. Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to educate me.