I want to stop and drop off a  "Direct mailer" when I see these  houses in bad shape and then skip trace and call them. 

Leaning into the "fun feasibility", I would say create content on OF app, get them bananas from the tree.Anyone's profile:- no assets --> skip- no liabilities --> skip- $10,000 in your bank account --> Master monthly budget, assigned every dollar, that way you can start cutting out miscellaneous cost, and minimize gratification, entertainment, wasted spending. 

Utilize tools such as PropStream or Batch Leads to identify cash buyers within Short-Term Rental (STR) communities and gather their contact information through skip tracing techniques.

Usually pulling data from reonomy, skip tracing through batch.

There are several options for skip tracing to find phone numbers and email addresses. 

Tenant screening is such an important part of the application process and I do not understand how some landlords just choose to skip this step. 

Check in with their last landlord (don't skip this step). 

If you are driving for dollars be sure to skip trace the property and call the owner asap.

Thats when my business partner and I began Skip tracing phone numbers for potential sellers that were on our direct mail list and calling them directly.

You seem to be skipping this crucial first step.Everyone would jump at the opportunity to be gifted property, but when your parents are involved, I advise slowing down.For example, it may make a lot of sense for your parents to contribute the properties into a revocable trust, then contribute the properties from the trust to a MMLLC (or FLP), of which you are managing-member (or general partner).