help contacting owners of neglected/unused properties

[John Gray]

there are a few properties in my neighborhood that are distressed and unoccupied and I would love to get my hands on them. what would be the best strategy in contacting the owners? or if bank owned is there any way to acquire properties off the market? these may be very basic general knowledge questions for the seasoned investor so i apologize in advance for my ignorance and would love some input or direction. 

thanks