The only way to buy a pre-forclosure is to knock on the door and confront the owner - the reaction is mostly unfriendly.You can buy a property at the sherriff sale - you will have to bid against the bank (represented by an attorney), pay cash and you are buying not only the property, but also any liens (debt) that is recorded against the property. 

I emailed Z, asking why he was trespassing (and bringing strangers onto our property, asserting that he should have knocked on our door to ask for access, etc).

If you are looking to invest in those markets, door knocking and looking for deals off the MLS would be your best bet.

So I would knock those out with the refinance money and save the rest.

So I would knock those out with the refinance money and save the rest.

So essentially getting a 10% Cash on cash ROI until I sell where I will realize a modest profit.

So essentially getting a 10% Cash on cash ROI until I sell where I will realize a modest profit.

I am looking for any advice or pointers to get these 27 items knocked out.

For marketing you can door knock, mail letters and skip trace/text message the owners.

If you are being out bid, look into wholesaling or even door knock yourself.