Finding owners of OFF MARKET properties

[Account Closed]

Hello all! I am interested in a 4 unit multi family home in my area. (washington DC).The unit has all the signs of being an abandoned property. Tall grass etc. I researched the property and an agent told me she cannot help because it is OFF MARKET. How does one go about finding the owner of this property?

[Andrew Beauchemin]

That agent clearly has never worked with investors before!  

I would check the Tax records, which can easily be found in the MLS. If the property has ever been sold through the MLS, you'll be able to pull the tax record.

I would then search the Public Land records, Transfers of Deed, Probate records, etc.  Just do some googling around, and don't be afraid to pick up the phone and make some calls.   In Maryland, I use this website: https://mdlandrec.net/main/dsp_viewer.cfm?cid=PG&s...

Lastly, try knocking on some neighbor's doors.  I'm sure they would appreciate you fixing up an eyesore property on their block and be willing to give you some information.