Making an offer on a HUD owned home is very different from bank owned foreclosures.  All offers are submitted through their website and only registered Real Estate Agents have access.  When a property first comes on the market, HUD gives owner-occupied Buyers priority.  They do this by only accepting owner-occupied bids during the first 10 days of the listing.  The listing clearly states the day bids are due and Sunday counts.  The results are then posted on-line within 24 hours.   If the home is not sold after the 10 days, investors or anyone else can place a bid. 

HUD has some strict rules for Buyers, so be sure you know all of them before you place a bid.   Always remember that you are buying AS-IS.  Two of the biggest are your earnest money deposit is non-refundable, even if you back out.  The second is that the Buyer has to pay to have the utilities turned on in order to complete an inspection.  HUD does not negotiate over repairs unless there is a major structural or mechanical issue.  If there is (and HUD agrees) you may be entitled to a refund of your earnest money.  HUD can also offer to reduce the sales price at their discretion.