I have invested in trust deeds before and love the program.

Concerning average number per state, what are the top states for buying tax lien certificates?

You could try to identify any other phone numbers for the owner using a skip tracing program/software.

We personally would save up the extra income from the tax free, and add in any hazardous duty pay, family separation pay, hostile fire...whatever...and then use the 10% military combat savings program. 

6.What is your certificate of abandonment, and how do you get one?

Be sure you do a Title Search and obtain  MLC Municipal Lien Certificate. 

We do have a 0% down mortgage program for first time resident buyers (that can only be used once), but the property purchase limit is $200,000 and it is difficult to find multi-unit properties in this price range - unless they are in a C or even D area.

@Jorge Magana This may be a completely dumb question but what bank/loan program did you find conventional financing with only $2500 down for an investment property? 

I have a GREAT lender that I can refer you to who works with the 203 k program quite a bit, so just let me know if you'd like me to connect you.2.

There are some low down programs like FHA & USDA but those come with various stipulations.