@Joshua Feit When in doubt, I usually take Michaela's advice ; ]I would also recommend pulling your address in Accela and GIS (Google these) and property tax records. 

@Alex Rodriguez have you searched the site for realtors in the Chicago suburbs?

Thank you.PS I have searched the BP tools and files and have not been able to find one.Sage

Continuously educate yourself, continuously search for deals, and don't be afraid to seize the moment when an opportunity presents itself!! 

I would imagine eventually it all comes to the specifics of the property itself but then the search is becoming to exhaustive, so I would want to focus on couple geographical areas and be able to search there.Currently I'm in CA and looking to invest in other states.Any idea on how to get started and get focused on an area would be appreciated.Thanks in advace to all the comments.

There are services that you can use that you have to pay for, or you can spend 5-10 minutes on Google for each owner. 

I am humbly in search of some advice/consultation. 

Another thing, google is your best friend.

Hello all I'm currently in the process of searching for a bank to do my refinance, and figured Id search some advice on here before making any final decisions. 

I've just used a google search in the past when finding it.