If you have an address you may be able to verify who owns property via netronline.com.

@Dennis McNeely - my concern with getting a soils study is if it shows there's something really wrong with the soil, such as expansive soil, I would have to disclose that fact when I go to sell the property. 

I understand your concerns about investing in a distant marker, and will certainly have another look at areas that are within driving distance.  

What I'm most concerned about is the Project 2025 plan to gut HUD and most social services.

It’s considered an act of god if a strong wind blows down a healthy tree that nobody expected to fall, but if a dead tree has been looking like it’s about to fall for awhile and the owner has been notified of the hazard it causes, then their inaction can cause them to be negligent in addressing the hazard, and they may be found to be liable.

But there's no body of case law indicating that to be a concern.

My concern is that if i apply for a HELOC to use for the down payment before i apply for a mortgage, A) I wont get approved due to my DTI ratio, and B) I wont get approved without first showing the bank I have the 20% down payment before pulling the HELOC.

Quote from @Michell Chase: It isn't a large amount but my concern is that if I remove the tenant in July I have no deposit in the event that there are damages to the unit. 

I need two things- Get property details from address.

I built a list and skip traced 750 addresses.