Back to the original question. Yes, the so-called lists or web providers of foreclosures are a waste of time. They are just services looking to make a buck with dated or incorrect info. Your best bet to is to follow your local legal notices, build relationships with title companies or local attorneys who conduct the sales and do the leg work. I've bought a bunch of foreclosures, pre-sale, at-the-sale and after. There are a ton of techniques. I recently made $15,000 at a sale without even acquiring the property.