Mobile Home, no title or VIN on trailer...options?

[Derek Robinson]

I'm closing on a piece of property this week.  It has two single wides currently.  One has the VIN and other info on a sticker in the master closet, so I'm good on that one.  The other has been "remodeled".  All interior cabinets and closets are ripped out, so no manufacturer info panel.  I looked on the front I beam and can barely see some letters and numbers scratched in, but too faint to make out.  Plus, it doesn't seem like there are enough characters to make a full VIN.  Owner of property purchased 8 years ago from a realtor who bought it at a tax sale, so tracking down an owner seems out of the question.

Do I have any options here?  My plan is to subdivide the land into three parcels, bring in a third trailer, and sell the 3 individually (I have a bank in the area that will finance single wides on land).  I guess I could keep the trailer with no title and rent it out, but I would prefer to flip.  The bank won't finance without title or VIN.  Maybe I owner finance it and collect my proceeds over time plus interest?  Maybe take it out and get a used trailer with title in it's place?

[Anthony Conway]

Working on a couple of these messes right now. You should be able to find it on the tax record somewhere. Someone has been paying the taxes on it in the past years? If it is listed in the sales contract you can take it to the general council of the DMV and show them you are the new owner of the mobile home, they will then issue new title. Look on the county tax record under vehicles or mobile homes and search the address to see if you find anything attached to that address.