Found an Abandoned House.....what's next ?!

[Kenyatta Fletcher]

So if some of you have seen my previous posts, I am attempting to transition from a Bird Dog to a wholesaler. I was in a family member's neighborhood, and noticed a house that looked ......rough around the edges. Asked my aunt and she told me the house had been empty for some time.....Hmmmm. Okay.
I noted the address, and took a pic of property. Went back to my office and begun a little research. Uncovered owners name, and a possible telephone number.
Went back to the house, and talked to the neighbor that lived across the street, the owner was a single mom that got remarried, and they simply moved .....Thanksgiving 2009. I confirmed with the neighbor the owners name. The house is completely empty, overgrown lawn and a forest of weeds. I have tried the listed number, no answer. Someone suggested I contact the HOA, to see if they have any owner contact information, as they would have a vested interest in cleaning up the property !!

I would love a MENTOR or someone to walk me through the next steps, to see if this is a potential motivated seller...
As always, BP......I look to you for answers....

[Mary Fox]

Make sure you look the property up on the county tax site, or call the recorder of deeds for that county. Some counties will give you info over the phone, is it delinquent? back taxes owed? is there a mortgage? is it current? Once you have that info you can decide if it is worth pursuing. Good Luck!