The most reliable method to locate liens and their positions is to conduct a title search through a title company.

You can also find real estate investing groups through meetup.com, Facebook, or a Google search.

My personal thoughts are to search for "deal analysis" kinds of videos on youtube.

Good luck with your search!

How does this relate to PPR? 

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

(d) If you strike out on landing any on-market deals, you can search for off-market deals.

I invite you to search this forum about ADU appraisals.  

After reviewing your application, we’ve determined that, unfortunately, we are unable to move forward with your application at this time, as it does not meet our established criteria for income and (other established criteria) We appreciate the time you took to apply and wish you the best of luck in your continued search for a home. 

As for the third target market, Sacramento is close to you, it's a state capitol, relatively inexpensive, two major universities, great local culture...