The real "juice" in this market is the appreciation.

Sometimes the juice isn't worth the squeeze. 

I look forward to making this group a fruitful place for those involved.

Your best bet may be to go with a turnkey provider that can provide property management services, so you would only need to spend minimal time on real estate.I am in the same boat as you and would like to EVENTUALLY spend minimal time on real estate; however, a foundation must first be built in order enjoy the fruits of our labor. 

That doesnt count having to upgrade the disconnect which is potentially thousands more if you dont have the juice to handle a condenser.   

Just starting out I would consider MLS (you have to make a lot of offers), working with wholesalers, and checking FSBO websites.If you want to get advanced you could also try some of your own direct-to-seller marketing, keeping in mind it will take a while (usually 1-2 months +) to see any fruit from that.What markets are you looking in?

Off market deals take more effort, but can potentially be more fruitful!

If anyone has experience in this area with legal options for collecting this rent and/or tracking the tenants down, and if the juice is worth the squeeze, I would greatly appreciate the insight. 

Not enough juice for the squeeze.

For the lawyer, the low hanging fruit is still getting the insurance company to pay out.