Craigslist, MLS, zillow, FSBO sites, street signs, newspapers, backpage....Find some investors that will give you their preferences and start analyzing the data.

Are the probates something that is only published in the newspapers classifieds?

This is the old fashioned way and has a lot of competition, but I find that it is harder to do than picking up a newspaper.

Sending out hand written personal letters, adds on social media, newspaper, craigslist, handing out business cards and posting signs out.

then gave some basic info like sq ft bedrooms, bathrooms, any small damage i could think of and the price i was willing to take for it and what it appraised for on Zillow.. once the calls would come in (and there was a lot of calls) i would let them know that the house was already under contract but that i have houses like this all the time and ask if i can put them down in my buyers list.. then started the long drawn out process of trying to find a house to sell.. in my area there is a lot of competition so bandit signs and newspaper ads were not enough. i got a few under contract but the ones that i did, i couldn't find a buyer.  

In connection with any litigation arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party will he entitled to recover all costs including a reasonable attorney's fee.16.Zoning and Restrictions:Unless the Property is zoned and can he legally used for ___________ use, or if there is notice of proposed zoning changes, deed or other restrictions that could prevent such use at time of closing, Buyer will have the right to terminate this Agreement.Buyer will have 10 days from acceptance to verify the existing zoning and current proposed changes, and deliver written notice of objections to Seller or be deemed to have waived objections under this paragraph.17.Time For Acceptance:Seller shall indicate his/her acceptance of this Agreement by signing and delivering the same, or by telegraphing acceptance to Buyer or submitting agent before __________:01 []AM[]PM Date _______________, after such time, this offer shall terminate.18.Additional Terms And Conditions (lettered A, B, C, D, etc.)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________19.Timing:The timing of paragraphs 7, 8, 9, and 10(A) will become operable after satisfaction of paragraph 2, if applicable, and those additional conditions lettered in Paragraph 18.20.Entire Agreement:There are no other agreements, promises or understandings between these panics except as specifically set forth herein.

The alternative is getting a court order which, absent the other methods, relies on publishing in an adjudicated newspaper. 

The answer is, generally speaking, we don't.This is why we get mailers in the newspapers, ads on the TV, ads on the radio etc etc.

Then put them In the two largest newspapers and two buyers guides every week.  

That 120 day redemption issue Only applies if the IRS was notified, and service can be proven, of the impending sale, not simply a newspaper advertisement.