Todd, Pick the County you want to buy in, go to the Tax Collector web page, read all the rules and participate. 

Join FB groups with wholesalers, check out BP marketplace, do a web search on "Hyper vacancy" and "blighted cities".

This specific property had a crawl space, that in a typical market, I feel would have been more difficult to sell, without a significant updating cost from my end.

I am looking to have some plumbing work done on a 6 flat in Pilsen ( the drainage in the crawl isn’t functioning properly).

There are sections of the crawlspace I cannot access for subterranean termite treatment, as well as running new electrical for an AC system, I kept thinking there may be a hidden opening covered by flooring, but if I can't find it then I need to crawl down to the 16" headroom crawlspace with a corded rotary hammer strapped to my ankle, crawl ony belly for over 40 feet to enlarge the congested opening so I can pass through it. 

If the home has a crawl space, you 'll really get value from a GC.Radon/well/septic are a must if they apply to you.

I asked my agent if I could get a sewer scope, and the guy (very politely, and repeatedly) tells me that typically can be seen in the crawl space. 

Besides Trulia and Zillow there are lots of other real estate web platforms, which one do you prefer? 

*Absentee owner, no marketing, no credit card options, no drop-off service, no web presence. 

@Joe Villeneuve I intend on thoroughly checking out the home/attic/crawl space/ and having an inspection of course.