Homeowner is paying a mortgage of 170 K, property real value is 60 k- 80 k.

No missing payments, however now they are decided to get rid of the property, and do a short sale.

Whats the best route as an investor? ...

Also, I expect a high emphasis on customer service to the tenant - most MC's aren't very thorough and can come off as bullys or very nonchalant when interacting with tenants which in turn can lead to a high tenant turnover rate rather than focusing on keeping everyone happy.

The repairs are too costly and could lead to more problems.2.)

Forget everything that is not leading you to get a listing and get it to closing.

I'm looking at a service that offers probate leads but I'm not sure if they can provide the address of the executor.

There are things like lead paint disclosures if your property is very old.

I have a lead which is a 5unit with a 3 car garage.

It depends on the number of units involved.For larger multifamily properties you start with a letter of intent which will lead to negotiations over due diligence which will eventually lead to either a purchase agreement and/or binding escrow instructions.

Hey BPers, I'm piggy-backing off of a thread I started in the Real Estate Marketing Forum: http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/87/topics/113063-pre-foreclosure-foreclosure-leads-in-a-judicial-foreclosure-stateA quick summary for those not interested in reading that thread, foreclosure processes in judicial states are handled within the court system and as a result there are no public notices required like in non-judicial foreclosure states.

Once you land lets connect and see if I can help you with some local leads.