Advice for newbie considering pre foreclosure?

Have heard about a property through a friend where the owner is in serious financial trouble and maybe can be persuaded that a quick sale at a really low price could be a win-win thing for us both. I need a big lot, size of house doesn't matter, away from busy roads and a little apart from the neighbours and apparently this place fits. I am going to drive past and look at the neighborhood which I don't know at all although it isn't far from my current home. Can anyone give me a few pointers on what I should look for to help in negotiations?