I would also check out your local newspaper rent add section, and definitely call on any adds you find and ask about what amenities they have. 

Try the classified ads in the back of newspapers like the "Northeast Times". 

If they get a newspaper article about real estate taxes going up, and another about utility costs, or insurance rates etc etc, then they know you aren't just a "money grubbing *&^*hole" trying to rip them off.

Five hours in comfy chairs, watching tv, reading the free newspaper, eating free food, and drinking free beers vs . . . sitting in an airport bar?  

Some ideas:Offer the seller an envelop with 12 post dated check - they don't have to wait for the letter carrier.Offer to put a deed in liue of foreclosures in escrow with their lawyer - transferring property back to them in the even of non-payment or violation of the terms of the mortgage - Offer to have monthly inspections of the property by sellerLet them know they will be added to your insurance policy in the event of fire - they get paid offOffer additional collateral (like a blanket mortgage) - always on a blanket mortgage you should have a release clause after the equity reaches a certain amount - no need to tie up your equityProvide additional co-signersProvide your financial statement and a copy of your credit reportProvide your nice guy resume (written testimonials about you from past customers, transactions, your preacher and other lenders, awards, newspaper clippings of you rescuing a cat from a tree, awards from the Boy Scouts)  have all this in writing.

Move on to the local weekly real estate newspapers.

All should be listed in the local county newspaper. 

Google the address or building name and you might find some newspaper article of interest.

Here is a blog post I wrote up about the experience :https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/4582/50257-biggerpockets-helped-me-land-the-cover-story-of-my-local-newspaperOnline Article: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/...

I make note of homes that have newspapers piled up on the porch, high grass in the yard or grass growing in the gutters.