New CT member with a question, tracking down a home owner

[Jake Baxter]

Hello Bigger Pockets!

First I'd like to say how amazing Bigger Pockets is. The little bit of information I've already found here on the forums, plus the podcasts and Brandon's book have been pure gold. I can't get over how approachable and accommodating the users here are.

Before I ask any questions, let me properly introduce myself. My name's Jake and I'm 25 years old, just beginning to get my toes wet in the real estate market. I grew up and still currently live in the town of Mansfield, Connecticut. Other than being my hometown, Mansfield is also my employer. I've been working for the Public Works Department for just over 5 years now. I make a competitive income, and currentlyhave zero bills (thanks to my recent renovation of my parents basement). I've known that I've wanted to get involved with real estate for a while and believe that I'm ready to begin investing.

The town of Mansfield is home of the University of Connecticut (Uconn). Year after year Mansfield and Uconn have been rapidly growing both in infrastructure and population. It's no secret that Mansfield is in high demand for rentals due to the increasing enrollment at Uconn every year. When off campus housing becomes available they're gone just as quick as they're posted. I actually know many students that commute up to an hour every day just because of the housing shortage...ok I think you get my point, there's more eager renters than there are rentals.

As a public works employee and resident I spend a lot of time driving down every single road in town...over and over. Over the years I've built a lot of great relationships in town, I've also learned who lives where, what houses are being rented, and what houses are sitting vacant. There's a house just down the road from my parents, I mean my roommates, which has been vacant for just about two years. Nice 1500sq ft cape just down the road from campus. The property is over grown and the house itself definitely needs some rehab. After looking up the property record and acquiring the owners name and address, I had my realtor send a few letters certified return. Unfortunately they all came back. Next, I went to the Assessor's office and didn't come up with much other than the taxes were being paid, most likely by a bank. I also confronted the Building Inspector, who also didn't have much information to provide. I've talked to the neighbors, searched the white pages and social media. 

Can anyone suggest what my next step should be? I'm contemplating visiting the address noted on the property record, and perhaps talking to the neighbors there to see if they know how to get in contact with the owner. Although, this seems like it could be border line invasion of privacy. How would I find out whether or not a bank currently owns the property and which bank that may be? If this is the case, how would I approach them about selling the property?

Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated! I just seem to keep hitting road blocks but don't want to give up until I see something done with the property. Looking forward to hearing some responses, thanks!

-Jake Baxter