The debt amount for this mortgage is about $20-30 k from what I can find online I am willing to pay if needed but when I called the bank they  wont release any payoff amount if not the past owner. 

I am wanting to buy a property in a online auction with the clerk of courts in my area.

Actually, most of the tools online are awful at it. 

That is how I got started.I also encourage you to listen to the Thanks for Visiting podcast because they are in your city.I hired an online interior designer and gave a per-square-foot budget.

Go online and order.

There are numerous resources available, from books and online courses to local meetups and forums where you can connect with experienced investors.

.: doorknocking, cold calling, speaking with online leads, contacting people within your sphere of influence, engaging with people on social media (not just posting), meeting people at networking events, etc.2.

Also, having a simple online presence that tells your story will make a big difference.  

I am thinking about just finding some templates online but not sure if there's a better way to go about it.

I do believe that, because of technology (on line deed information and ability to filter such) and higher interest rates, we will see more acceleration of loans due to due on sale violations than in the past.