So, the records show the sale price of only $20k and so my basis is very low to start with...  

If MOLD makes it to public record, good luck getting all of your $$$ back anytime soon.

I am not sure about Chicago and what is public record.  

So far I am aware of using bandit signs, driving through neighborhoods, and going up to the court house and browsing through records.  

So far I am aware of using bandit signs, driving through neighborhoods, and going up to the court house and browsing through records.

Ideally they would be trustworthy, proven track record etc - Two things I'm looking to gain: Experience & Equity.

Would you rent to a group where one of the cosigners has a state tax lien on their record?

The appraised value per last years tax records was like $50K. 

Get record owner from county recorder's office for last xfer docs in deed chain.Use online search of record owner's name, determine if living or not. 

Granted, Portland will be cold and wet for 80% of the year and this has a really odd record breaking summer.Well, I must be a softy cause I am ordering a new unit(new coils and 3 TON AC unit) and will try to sell the 1 week old unit for prob 35 cents on the dollar on CL.