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.

Do you think First Insurance will, insure in a high fire risk locale? 

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

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.

There are some great investor meetups in Seattle that you can attend to meet more likeminded investors.

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

Local banks.

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

Anyone that has attended have any feedback?

I learned the drywall was cracking in October, but I'm not local to it so I wasn't checking it regularly.