If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

We're looking at downtown homes with pools or homes near the beach. 

I would have saved few thousand dollars in inspection fees and appraisal fees if I had known that and I had a friend send me detailed videos.I'm not sure if this information is available in all counties but where I bought in the Indianapolis metro area, I can look up property tax records.

I just gave it a try with a random property I found for sale on Redfin and once the map updated and I clicked on the parcel it brought up a little context window that provided the mailing address (as well as other info).

I have the information I need to send letters to the owners of said lots. 

do you know how you will fund the acquisition? 

Its the tug and pull of not enough inventory then everyone jumps in and floods the market. 

My idea to buy a home is to get an 80% LTV 1st mortgage from a bank, take over that mortgage and give the seller a second mortgage for 50% of the 1st mortgage balance because I need some cash to cover the payments, which the amount of cash would be more than the remaining equity in the home.

Once you read the explanation below, you will understand how REALLY bad things can be if you don't get the letters but go through with the purchase.First, the owner/seller should have a clause in the lease requiring tenants to sign (or object to in writing) tenant estoppel letters if presented to them.

Also, you are not buying at a premium and can allow the property to appreciate if that said area is historically improving.