Finding Empty Houses

[Jim Wiley]

I have seen several empty houses lately I may be interested in flipping. Trouble is that the county auditor page gives me very little information. I'm sure one of them is not going to be a tax sale, since they are up to date. So, how do I find out the house's status? I'd like to find the mortgage holder, but don't know how. I've flipped 3 houses, but bought them all from wholesalers. Would rather go straight to the owner/lender if possible Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim

[Jeff Roberts]

Hey Jim,

I am not a wholesaler myself, but the difficulties that you cite are the very reasons that I do not mind paying one of them a reasonable fee for finding houses for me.  My experience is that nine times out of ten even if you can find these people they will not talk to you or there will be some other issue that prevents you from actually acquiring the property.  There certainly is no harm in trying though.  Good luck!