Possible, but not probable. You might try to find the asset manager who is responsible for that property and send an offer directly to them. You'll want to send it on the TREC forms. Don't send them a one page LOI or something to that effect if you want a response. In the end they'll probably refer you back to the listing agent who will then act as an intermediary agent representing both you and the bank. Potentially in this area you could also contact the trustee for the sale and submit the offer through them, but this is also unusual. Many don't want to talk to anyone but the asset holder. In the end it is probably you'll probably get a better deal and make it run faster and smoother if you get a buyer's agent on your team to help you with the purchase.

If you have a specific property in mind that you know is bank owned, you can contact the bank directly (their real estate owned department). Most banks will hire a realtor to market a property but I have seen situations with extenuating circumstances.

It's very difficult. As Cindi noted, most banks (in fact, I don't know of any that don't) list their properties with Realtors. So you're going to be dealing with a Realtor at some point.

You could pay a bit more and buy from an investor. Investors are active in this market, and some are buying REOs. Many investors would be glad to flip a property to you for a wholesaler's fee--often in the range of $5,000-$20,000. They've done all the work. Now you'd just buy it from them. And investors would prefer to sell directly to you, so they wouldn't incur the commission.

Hope that helps.

Why would you do this? It does not cost you anything--so why wouldn't you want an expert's advice on possibly the largest financial committment you will ever make?
Good Luck!

If you don't use a Realtor, where the bank pays the commission, you will need to find an attorney, which you will pay for so you can at least have piece of mind.
Good luck!

Is there a reason you don't want to use a Realtor? There is no cost to you if you use a Realtor to help you purchase a home. Not in WA, pretty sure it's the same in most states.