How do you get access to foreclosed homes and repossessed homes in California?

My family and I just moved to California thinking we were going to be able to buy a home soon since we have good credit and money for the down payment. Since my husbands job is completely different than what he was doing we have to wait 2 yrs to qualify. I was thinking maybe we can use the money we were going to put for down payment, and buy a foreclosed or repossessed home cash.