I would walk my dog past the property occasionally and check the listing online for a price drop.

Is there a place online where I can find if there is a mortgage or any other liens on a property?

There are online training courses, which are appealing because i work a 9-5ish gig and can't up and quit to persue the idea of a new career.

Try places like Fiver and other online work sources

Based upon the fact they are new - maintenance is a non issue for the first several years which is very very attractive to my objectives.

DOM might now be a self-perpetuating situation....until someone comes along, does an objective & thorough evaluation and buys it (you?!).

Some states have specific laws around how much you can raise rent, so make sure you are acting within the law.After closing, introduce yourself to them, give them your address for sending in rent (or ask them to use online rent payment, whatever you're doing) and ask if there are any repairs that need to be done. 

Keffer Realty does a good job and has a good online interface as well.

I started on the BiggerPockets Podcast and now I've finally signed up for an online account.I am currently located in Portland, OR. but I'm exploring relocating to several areas across the US and looking into Memphis specifically.

Look up the owners info in the county tax records (free access online in Texas) and contact them.