: Real estate wholesalers and local attorneys often have access to lists of distressed properties before they become public.

Pre-Foreclosure Notice Filing Information - Instructions - NY DFS

In a pre-foreclosure, you are often buying the property "as-is" and may inherit the owner's financial mess.

: Search the county recorder's office for a Lis Pendens (notice of pending legal action), which signifies the lender has officially started the foreclosure process.