*Online Directories are only available for or useful for loans/borrowers in an active foreclosure where there has been a public filing in court or the recorder's office.

Fed's can talk all they want about "creating" however millions of homes, it changes nothing unless Harry Potter comes into office and shezams them into existence. 

Quote from @Vishal Chandan: I am about 25 days from closing on my first investment property and the mortgage loan officer wants me to keep my credit unfrozen (from all 3 credit bureaus) till the day of closing.

Also work with trusted lenders, look for reviews, etc .. since there are many unqualified loan officers pushing term sheets to get you to pay for an appraisal and switch the terms on you at the very last minute.

Do right by them and word spreads, momentum is built and eventually you are raising money from PE firms, family offices etc. if you care to grow beyond your personal network's means. 

I just started my direct mail campaign and it took a whole Sunday (3:30-9PM) to do 200 letters and this was about as automatic as the average Joe could get:Printed Yellow letters using Officejet printer (Paper from Amazon)Printed envelopes using the same printer (Envelopes from Dollar Store)Bought 400 forever stamps from the Post Office to create the "genuine" effectStill, folding and stuffing papers was an extremely underestimated variable.

If you are close then just go to office and pickup the check.

Why would they stop if nobody sues or gets the police involved?

The best way to do this is develop a great working relationship with a real estate agent or escrow officer and they will provide you with reports for free. 

both myself and my office manager are licensed agents