The house is obviously vacant old newspapers, overgrown brush, city violations in door, etc.

You can search online, look at newspapers or whatever source you need to find out that info..

News paper ads, CL ads, Meet ups, and digging through FSBO

When the lender starts the process, a Notice of Default is recorded in the county where the property is located, along with a public notice in an adjudicated newspaper. 

@Sarah Anne A typical arrangement I've seen is the PM will not charge for advertising if there is not a cost too it (e.g. craigslist, the PM's own website, sign in front; though in truth there is a cost to them in terms of time), but the owner pays if there is a cost (e.g. newspaper classified). 

Find the cheapest news paper like local Gazette or Advance etc.

Eg, Craigslist, Trulia, Zillow, Wealth Accelerator Systems, newspaper...?

Do a google search for the property address and "foreclosure notice"; try to find a newspaper notice published with the sheriff's sale auction date.Starting from the first missed mortgage payment, the bank can start the foreclosure process.  

Do I need to stop somewhere on the way, such as a gas station to pick up the daily newspaper, first? 

you might consider "estate notices" in the local newspaper