- The reason why listing brokers would not inform their investors and buyers of current offers and bid amounts is b/c it would most likely be a violation of their state or state board's fair practice laws & would constitute an extreme conflict of interest and possible breach of listing contract, if a listing broker tried to corner deals and not provide equal competition for all bidders.

I assume someone knows on these message boards.  

I feel like doing things completely above board buys trust and builds rapport.

I reached to the board of the association but didn't get much back, however, I/we are now aware of this hypothetical health concerns.

Older buildings likely have nothing but one layer of sheet rock between the floor boards/joists and lower level units.

@Greg Jeanfreau The house is a late 19th century barge board shotgun double.

So, I didn't really give them any money, but I did help their money grow pretty effectively and I'm giving them the gift of free room and board through college as mentioned.This has always been my plan for my children and I've taken a lot of guff for it over the years. 

Quote from the article: "Texas cases don’t necessarily have a good and distinct and succinct definition of ‘squatter,’” said Adams. “They kind of tend to use the term on the assumption that everybody already knew what...

Couple that with insurance rates and boards it could be more of a headache in the future. 

Every day for weeksI'm not recommending this for anyone, but I would stop at obviously abandoned properties that had potential and wander around, looking in windows and sometimes going into the house - through an 'unlocked' rear door of course :-)Sometimes the windows are boarded up and you cannot get a view of the inside....then it's just your knowledge and your gut once again.Go to the County and look up the owner....send them a nice letter....even make a dollar offer if you feel so inclined. 1 in 10 might respond.This is the way to find deals with a lot of equity potential IMHO.