If you have the phone number, there is no harm in calling them and letting them know you are a local investor looking for property in the area and wondered if might consider getting an offer on their property. 

It is obvious that I do not want to harm either of our taxes but I also cringe at the thought of putting money in a home that I do not own...

What's the harm in waiting another year?

@Jamie Lynch “success stories” are more harm than good in my opinion...they give unrealistic expectations.

.#2 Examine the property and see if any repairs or maintenance is necessary.If your property is not adequately maintained, it could cause harm to a tenant or a tenant's guest and ultimately lessen the property value.

Think Nelson Mandela and please come with a personal story to tell of how you (or someone you know) has been harmed by this bill.  

There is no harm in asking.Best of luckAnthony

I rarely wish harm anyone, but I will smile after the next downturn when some of these over bidders start licking their wounds. 

She is a substance abuser, mentally ill, etc.. and has done insurmountable damage to the property.

A few other things you may want to consider.....Using steel instead of wood or, depending on location, using block.....You may save yourself a boatload of future headache (ie mold/mildew/termites don't harm steel)Building a non-traditional structure.....ie think loft in duplex form.....etcThere are a million ways to skin a cat.