I would compare the return on investment you'll get with saving for and getting an investment property versus paying back the debt you'll get for being in college for being a nurse.

That versus if I build out a home subdivision, build a large retail center, build a big multifamily building the majority of profit and success is not until the back end when project is 90% finished or higher.

Agreed with the comments above...here's what I've been doing to try to pick up a couple of properties near me where the owners are deceased:1) Get the owner's information from the Public Records (sounds like you already have that since you looked at the tax records)2) Skip trace the owner's name and attempt to reach someone through their phone numbers (I use True People Search and have had decent luck finding a number - cell numbers tend to be the best versus the landlines, but it's not guaranteed either way)3) Check the county Probate Court records to see if a Probate case has been opened. 

@Brian Wagers thanks!

Of course the math is different when interest rates are high versus low. 

If you find someone willing to go the JV route, that is even better as they will have "skin" in the game and be more committed to the project success versus someone who only agrees to mentor you through a project. 

@Robert Molloy I think doing a cash out versus a HELOC depends on when you need to use the money.  

That will vary by state and whether you obtain title insurance versus a title report. 

What is your return on equity with the current properties versus what you could get if you sold and utilized that equity elsewhere?

it’s your criteria.Stick to real numbers versus percentages you will be way better off.