To send them a message without booking the property, click on the listing, scroll to the bottom of the page and it'll say "contact host."

It’s a great reminder to trust your own due diligence and not let others make critical decisions for you, like hiring a property manager.For future investments, building a trusted team and maintaining direct oversight is key, even with remote deals.

Contact the utility provider and get a historical average based on the last year of use.

Off market deals usually have nonrefundable deposits and a clunkier process that isn't as suited for out of state people until they have good contacts in the area to evaluate the property (mostly contractors that feel comfortable evaluating projects for you).

What you want to ask is if they are a direct lender funding and servicing your loan

I have a few names if you need a contact. 

You can try door knocking, scary but direct way to chat with owners/renters.

I’m going to disagree with @Chris Seveney and say whether an assignee could force a sale directly would be a state law issue and heavily dependent upon the contract terms. 

My contact info is in my bio as well.Good luck!

Your taxes are none of the ex wife's business and this would seem to address your concerns.I would also put her on notice that future requests for financial discovery will be two-way and if a discrepancy is seen in the other direction you will seek support from her.