I have degrees from both IU and Purdue though (yes of course I know they are big rivals...)Do you manage property in South Bend?

This is a bitter sweet for me because it means I can begin investing in flips but also mean I cannot be materially involved in the improvement.

[sorry, that bitter sound was supposed to stay in my head]You are correct for looking at those types of housing - and there is a forum about short term and vacation rentals where some of this is spoken about as well.  

I have seen to many sweet pits turn and bite and when they do its major damage usually to a child.. of all the dogs I have owned over the years my biggest bitter is our Chiuahua CUJO he was a terror ( rest in peace ).. followed by my golden.. my shepard bite once but that was an intruder who came in uninvited then ran out when he saw the dog and got bit in the @$$  ..

I've been struggling with this as well but i will share what has worked sorta for me the town has a data base with last known owners check that out then check if the taxes are up to date most likely they are not then have a lawyer (in new york anyway) find a forwarding address to them and write them a simple letter stating your intent for every ten i find i get at least one call or email although i have not closed one deal this way because most abandoned houses here are due to divorce or upside down mortgages and for that they are too much to purchase or very bitter to make any sort of real offer to sell

It's called CASH FOR KEYS and not uncommon, but sometimes a bitter pill to swallow.

Mike, a 10% down payment on an installment contract is customary, but a land contract, contract for deed has a new bitter taste to it, especially for a seller.

The old contractors are often bitter and may want to make up for whatever went wrong before you got there.Clear title including signed mechanics liens would help.  

In case it helps, the "tenant" (squatter) is actually a relative who I suspect is bitter because his daughter (the granddaughter of the deceased), rather than he, inherited the house.

If we are going to participate in the discussions and learn from so many experts on this site, we should AT LEAST follow the rules of this site and respect them, so no need to be bitter Joseph.