I have 30yrs of education from the "school of hard knocks". 

Since I've started researching, I have knocked out a lot of distractions (watching T.V., video games, Facebook, etc.) to keep me more focused on my goal.

I've just shown up at the property, knocked on the door and told the guest that I was the landlord and wanted to meet him so that he knew who to call if there were any issues.

Plus you don't know if they will be doing an addition, or knocking down walls, or what they plan on doing.  

@Brian gibbonsI have been a property radar guy for 7 yrs..... in my market when any public notice is filed the 40 thieves  come knocking.  

I literally just knocked on her door.  

First it was google penguin that knocked me back from the 2nd spot for we buy houses in my market to 3rd and then I had to change everything from houses to homes because of the copyright bull for We Buy Houses.  

Sounds like you need to start knocking on doors to find motivated sellers.

In 12 years, we have yet to have a loan called (knock wood) by insuring the new owner on a “landlord” policy and naming the bank (and the old owner) as mortgagee and additional insured respectively. 

Matthew Nixon, I am currently door knocking, sending letters to distressed home owners.