There are online services like Escrow.com but never used them and not sure if they would fit your needs. 

Search the company online and you will get their contact information.

I think you're right as far as the rent profits would go because, if I need to invest the money into the home just to make it "secure" in an unsafe neighborhood, I don't know think it would be worth it in the end.

coincidentially, I had this discussion with my friend last night and we ran some numbers with online 401k estimators (nobody knows what it's gonna do for real).

That is something you can research at the county courthouse or online under the delinquent tax department depending on where it is located. 

Clerk of Court, most are online now.

I followed some advise I found online (actually giving by one of the founders of biggerPockets.com) which said to look online.

I have looked at over 20 properties in person and about 300 online and this one property meets my needs and numbers. 

So I have found a few abandoned homes and located the owner online  but under the property owners name has multiple addresses and it doesn't show which address is current, it does have phone numbers.

Buying a property from an online auction and seller will only give a QCD.