It does have nice destination and asan owner i like the private beach (not so good for the public). 

Property owners are almost always named as a defendant, at least initially.

I have the information I need to send letters to the owners of said lots. 

@Michael Perry these can often be very good opportunities for owner occupants.

Current owner could be "getting" away with it but he will be caught.

People are always looking for that perfect beachfront escape.Another reason these areas shine is how friendly they are to short-term rental owners.

Quote from @Nick Troutman: Owners are allowed to buy, sell, or manage their properties.

Prior to losing the home in foreclosure the previous owner had retaliated against the lender by cutting out most of the exposed electrical wiring and removing the heat and air units from the property. 

I manage the property and the tenants, pay the owner of the property a rent that meets their mortgage plus a little profit, charge fair market rent from the tenants I sublet to, and exercise an option to buy the property after a predefined term and at a predefined price.This way tired landlords don't have to manage their property anymore, and I start investing with little to no money.

However if the owner does not redeem you'd better be sure the property is worth your bid and expenses.