Tips for finding Missing Owners & Heirs

[Rick H.]

Do you have a few favorite ways to find missing property owners or their relatives (I.e., heirs)?

I'm compiling a list and I'd sure be grateful for experienced members of the BP community to share what works for you.

Nothing is too wild, however I'd appreciate experience and solutions over theory. Most of my work is with pre-probate, probate, trust-owned and defective title property in California. However, I hope your techniques and suggestions will apply for most everywhere.

Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking (and posting).

ONLINE:

Search engines

Spokeo

Social media

Ancestry.com research

Skip trace software - TLO

OFFLINE:

Neighbors

Letter carriers

Couriers

Utility readers

Genealogical researchers

Court records

Observation

Private Investigator

Aerial surveillance - UAV's (Drones) ?

I enjoy sharing and contributing to this forum. Care to help me, please?