Not so much for people to read and comment on and all that blather, but shoot, if I write it down and it's public, even if no one sees it, I will know it's there and won't want the embarrassment of failure.And @Sam McPeek and @Troy Fisher - thanks so much for the very specific references on Dave Ramsey and the mindmapping / SMART goals - those types of things seem to suit me very well and are great, ready-made systems that I can plug-n-play and start creating results.

I'm a Public Librarian by trade who does a little bit of landlording on the side.

as a Real Estate investment firm would you not have the cash to fix it and sell it for a higher profit instead of having it sitting on the "public" market for months...I have multiple theories - one might involve some conspiracy - lol - but would love answers from the pros.Emilie 

You can find out about property tax records from public record.

How about trying the public records.

I suggest, really do, that you stay away from trying to read investor stuff, especially guru stuff as it will mess up your mind in learning the basics, you'll get bad and incorrect information on the internet from the general public.

This is public info available at your local courthouse or from list brokersYou can find divorces and inherited property by taling to lawyers who handle divorce and probate. 

Bandit signs also say something about those who post them, especially when the public is aware that such signs are illegal.

That information is not public.  

Keep in mind the busing and public transport is not a viable option and with the availability of student housing within walking distance of the school it is unrealistic to believe people will live in a student rental if it is at a distance unless they have a car and your rent is cheap.