Quote from @Nick Rivers: What's the best content you've found to help you learn how to underwrite these deals? 

Columbus has an active following on this website so you are in the right place

I think Cozy will also work I just prefer the look and feel of the Simplifyem website better.

It’s also important to check with your lender to see if they offer this option.Lump Sum Payment: You’ll need to make a significant lump sum payment toward your mortgage principal.

Is there a better way to contact the owners of these properties?

People have been dropped by insurance companies in wildfire areas and had to scramble to try to find insurance - some using California Fair Plan. 

But, you can go up to 65% loan to value with no reserves, or up to 80% loan to value if you have 12 months payments already in the bank (12 months reserves_.

I mean one family on one home i bought basically stripped down to the studs .. everything was gone by the time I got them out. 

@Zach Howard I am working on a how-to book on Creative Financing now (I am the author of BP's book on Mid Term Rentals) because when I was teaching myself I was frustrated at the lack of clear instruction.

The good ones will have access to off-market deals.