What other ways can I go about tracking down the owner?

With a proven track record and buyers/partners in the future, I'd be more inclined to lock something up on site.

I will keep this updated, or start another forum to track the property when I get closer to closing.I also have the option of some 2bed/2bath duplexes in good shape, as well.

When they are in a 'dual agency' situation (i.e. they are formally representing both the Buyer and the Seller), their obligation is to mostly provide information and not opinion / recommendation.

I don't want to set you off-track though - the hardest part about your first flip will be all the shopping you'll have to do.  

Like how close it is to railroad tracks or the express. 

If you actually calculate that ROI, you will likely lose track of decimal places and not be sure if it's 100%, 1000%, or 10,000%.You'd be surprised what Fannie/Freddie will finance, that people don't even realize.

It should be easier to optimize for the right keywords and easier to track results for any PPC campaigns you might run. 

Too many people pay $30k for a guru to tell them everything, but if you can "sacrifice" $10-$20k of potential profit, you will have real-world experience, relationships AND the ability to go to private money or bank financing with and actual track record.

Or worse yet what if the person is "willing to pay above market rent" because they have bad credit (doesn't intend to pay), no verifiable income (can't pay), or a track record for trashing rentals?