(2) for East Chicago, I see the drawback as being perception of area for financing.  

Hi @Vlad Bahatyrevich -- Welcome to BiggerPockets.Although I know there have been some shady operators out there, I can only speak for our company.All numbers posted on our website are as accurate as that provided to us by our builders, rehabbers, and public records.

The dwelling unit shall be a single-family residence or duplex unless the dwelling unit is located on property zoned C-R, C-N, C-1, C-2 or C-3 and the property meets the following criteria: 1) within 200 feet of a TARC route, 2) within .75 miles of a public park, 3) within one mile of a National Register District or local Preservation District.

Starting with the license plate they were able to track down an amazing amount of information from public records, going from one source to another.

Look them up in public record.

Subsequently I have seen how perception influences how people treat you.

The borrower should sign a letter to you as an offer of a deed rather than you making it as a requirement.For your consideration:http://www.atgf.com/tools-publications/pubs/deeds-lieu-foreclosure-advantages-disadvantages-and-drafting Another advantage of your background is that you can probably see right through shoddy disclosures and non-disclosure agreements that make mortals treble.

You should be able to apply market rates and get a quick assessment from an asking price if the place is really for sale or is just listed, if it seems like something to explore, call, make an appoint, get the representations, consider again, go look, do your due diligence, make an offer.Most sellers don't give financials until they see they have a qualified buyer, they don't dump their personal financials out to the public

There are plenty of things about the business I know now that I wouldn't share in an open, public forum.

First get out in the public and meet people, get referrals, start building a base of persons who can act as a center of influence and refer the public to you.