It's also possible that the former owner's, or the lender's, insurance company owns it now because of the fire.

Whoa! Has the property sold at Sheriff's Sale? Until it does, you do not have a chance. No matter who you think owns it, it hasn't gone through all the channels yet. Find a good experienced agent to help, but sometimes there is nothing that can be done until the owner decides to sell (whatever lender that may be).

Keep in mind you wont receive a standard lender loan on property, you may have to go too a local bank request a personal line of credit OR PAY CASH property.