I want to buy a duplex

[Meredith Tabscott]

Hi, all.  I'm new to all this and currently reading Building Wealth One House at a Time--listening to BP podcasts and trying to learn all I can.  I see a few duplexes near my home that are in disrepair, surrounded by some that have been renovated and look good.  My city doesn't have public records online about the properties that are in disrepair--I'm trying to figure out how long they've been owned and by whom.  Why wouldn't my city list the info online as it does for other properties?  How can I find out who owns them?  What is my best method for investigating these?

I'm looking at them because 1)  I'm new to this and 2) won't have an easy time coming up with 20% down--so I need cheaper props (I realize costs to fix up will be needed, too)  and 3)  I want a duplex in my growing, urban neighborhood with good need for rentals (near colleges and hospitals).  

Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.