We like to stay in control all through the process..

Keep an eye on those delinquency rates and ensure that the property manager is proactive in rent collection.Maintaining open lines of communication with property managers is also part of the process.

Ourcurrent approach involves identifying possible contact information for thelisted owners and calling multiple numbers, but this process is time-consumingand yields limited results.

Take the emotions out of it and put together a pros/cons list. 

This includes if the property does not close.Your agent should be holding your hand through this process.  

@Grace Chee The process for this is time sensitive, you should have gotten a TRIM notice around late August, early September.

And I've even walked the heirs through the process.

This is not a quick process, but none the less, the best process and it works every time. 

I would caution you to NEVER honor your emotion in real estate.

The process must be understood and applied to team building, investing your and 3rd party capital, and financial deal structure with debt and equity sources.