I see some of the states that are still stuck in the 1800s using title abstractors taking a week two weeks.. the folks that are local simply dont know any better as its just SOP for them.

There was one here local to me that was on the market for over 2 years before it sold at a significant discount.

For example, I know a lady in my local market that is very successful in the land business and has developed a niche that cashflows very nicely, without a lot of stress, as she puts it though I can't imagine how that is possible. 

I am a local Central Houston agent, investor and developer. 

Hello all, my name is Ben Latusek and I am a real estate investor and owner of Synergy Property Management. I own, manage, and operate out of the Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan area. I have a real passion for real esta...

Check county recordsUse online search tools like PropStream, Reonomy, PropertyShark, etc.Use local GIS mapping tools (ask your county)Search online directories for LLC or TrustTalk to neighborsHire a skip tracerSend a letter to the propertyThere are a lot of options.

You'll want to talk to a local probate attorney to see how much time that could take.If the squatter is not making mortgage payments, you've got perhaps another month or two before the lender begins foreclosure proceedings.In your situation, I would approach the squatter to see inside the property to assess the condition.

The best and largest QI firms in America can have less than stellar regional or local representation.  

Cash out refi will be tough due to the price, not sure if there is a local bank you can reach out for the financing.

Most Buyers don't even know that there is a public access portal to search local listings.