That said, I'd identify a few similar properties and then call the local water authority and find out what their usage is.

I find it interesting that the author uses one of the worst examples of real estate investing to prove his point.

Pittsburgh Zoning Authority does provide searchable maps.

The seller can give you an authorization to speak directly with the lender if he wants to, and that can help you get a payoff but the lender doesn't own the property to sell it to you.

Closing shall occur within 10 days after the order is entered in the bankruptcy case authorizing the sale.6.

Often you can't buy from the city or tax authority before the sale since they don't own it, unless they already own it and it is a resale property.   

@Lisa Thompson Bigger pockets authors have some good books. 

For those landlords in California, Governor Newsom signed another executive order authorizing local governments to extend current eviction moratoriums two more months, through July 28th. 

@Jake Burgdorf having a joint business account sounds logistically like a good idea but I think there’s more to this post.A good partnership should be clearly delineated in terms of roles and responsibilities, who is entitled to what and who has authority to do what.

While it is not uncommon for a Property Manager to handle insurance on behalf of the owners they work with, you should have an agreement in place giving them authorization to do so.