Quick answer: No.

Oh, sure, you can contact the lender. But the lender won't speak to you. You and they have no relationship. Nor do you have any documentation from the owner (such as an "authorization to release") permitting you to speak to the lender.

If you want the property, you either have to persuade the owner to work with you--for instance, by selling you the property or at least signing an authorization to release so that you can talk to the lender.

Beyond that, get everything in order (financing lined up, etc.) and get a Realtor familiar with REOs so that you're ready to pounce on the property after its foreclosed upon and put back on the market.

But right now, any productive dealings will be with the owner, not the lender.

Hello Mary. You should contact the REO department at the bank as soon as possible. In my experience, the bank will want to move quickly and will be anxious to be in contact with a viable buyer. If you are not a paying cash then be sure that you are pre-qualified and ready to go with your lender. You will need the pre-qualification paperwork in order to make an offer on the property. If you are not currently working with an agent and would like to be represented in the transaction I would be happy to help.
Thanks and good luck!
Carol

Try contacting the REO department of the bank.