Locating and approaching a homeowner

[Gary Looft]

There is an abandoned property in our neighborhood. It is a distressed property. Drug activity, a real mess. But it is the probably the largest house in the area, around 5500 square feet. Would be worth a lot of money after repairs. I think the owner is still in the area. See cars in the driveway occasionally but no one living there full-time.

What is the best method for finding a homeowner that is not currently living in the house? Private investigator?

Also, what is the best method of making an offer to a cold homeowner?