In addition to that here are some links that you can explore to start getting a feel of what kind of free/public information resources are out there that you can use.Here is a link to the Oklahoma County sheriff's sales which the link to the list of properties for sale.https://www.oklahomacounty.org/sheriff/sheriffsales/ There are lots of steps to foreclosure proceedings (...sheriff's sale, file motion to confirm, notice of hearing, then at the hearing their is an order confirming sale, and ultimately a sheriff's deed is issued). 

That information should be of public record and easily found through "the google".At least that's my $0.02 worth.  

Otherwise, the only other fair way is public auction, where everyone knows everyone else's bid ... but selectively sharing that info with only some of the potential buyers but not others is chicken s%&t. 

I would also consider Logan Square, Avondale, Irving Park, and Portage Park, they're all close to the highway, and you can get to nightlife via public transport.

The grantor and grantee are in the public record, but what about the agents?

If you find an opportunity with a stable 8% IRR over 5 years and you expect 1% from a savings account, 6%-8% from public equity investments, or 3% from a 5-year government debt security, the relative qualities of the alternatives should help you understand whether your opportunity is good, average, or poor.  

But the other is the variance requires up-zoning, public hearings, local zoning board vote, and a very vocal local home owners association is adamantly opposed, so it's money wasted.Now, what are the legacy issues.

It's really important that you solve the problem because its regulated by your state board of public health and U.S.

Public auctions are even worse as people get "caught up" and bid way over market price. 

Agents/Brokers like myself wholesale MLS properties all the time to other agents as well as the public.