Just a followup as well on Driving for $$$- this used to be one of the best ways to find vacant/abandoned/troubled properties When I do drive my target areas looking for homes to buy, i'll simply create a column for each street and write down the first address I'm interested in. i

I am just trying to think of a possible exit strategy before going in. I

Just being facetious of course -  I had a triplex with tenants that for the life of them couldn't remember their keys and was always asking to be let in. I

I won't use craigslist anymore as it seems to draw the wackos, at least in the areas I deal in.  I

Depending on rent price you will find those tenants on Linked-in. I

There are other areas that I would't advise purchasing in. I

Also once you give them notice they may stop paying you and you may never recoup those funds, so make sure you have the reserves for that. depending on what county you are in I may know a constable to help evict them if they do not leave after a court order.Don't mean to scare you but want you to know the all the facts even the scary ones.All the best,Rob

And, I'm not sure what area to focus on and buy into -- that would be a good, healthy place to live but also invest in ... I

But much of what you see on this board is probably not the REIT type holdings...This community tends to be more small landlords and smaller scale investors... but all kinds chime in..I have blog up on the Classics of Landlord Lit for some ideas on the scale (and most should be free in your library). 

You can even try checking google for attorneys iny our area with great reviews and go with it in that direction.