How to find info on vacant properties

Question

So,  I've come across a vacant property  and my parents have come across some vacant properties in their area.  I have several questions regarding my next steps,  if everyone will bear with me.

1) I know how to search the tax records and find some info,  but are there other ways of gathering more contact info?

2) One of the properties says the property belongs to the heirs,  but it's care of a loan servicing company.  What does that mean exactly and is there a way to obtain the property from them if they're just holding it?

3) If a property belongs to an investment company,  is there a way of buying it from them?

Thanks in advance!

Henri Meli · Answer

@Ariel Robinson

For single family, it is quite easy. You just need to search the county records, then you get the name of the owner (s). If you want to know more about the owners themselves, you can search google or use linkedin (occupation information), ... etc. If you want to know more about the loan on the property, some county records also have that data. For North Carolina, I know ... not sure about other states.

If the property is owned by an entity, then the secretary of state site has ways to find that data. But , it is not always easily available. Some businesses go to great length to protect it and it is possible to do so.

Melissa Kirchhoff · Answer

@Ariel Robinson

1. I'm sure stuff like Spokeo and what not might help. Personally, I just use tax records and just google the address. From there I try to figure out owner's names and work backward to find contact info.

2. Usually if it belongs to the heirs, it's something you can obtain, the loan servicing company part I'm unclear about, unless someone else is doing seller financing or something? Maybe someone else can shed some light on that.

3. Yes, absolutely, but it may be more than you're willing to pay for it (in my experience!) but there's always a way and a number, just know what your numbers are so you don't pay too much!

Ariel Robinson · Answer

Thank you @Melissa Kirchoff and @Henri Meli! Your replies were very helpful!

I'm off to research!