Got in around $200K and should be able to generate a little positive cash flow with more emphasis on long-term appreciation given terrific schools, commercial/highway development, and companies moving HQ's more north (e.g.

Your struggles develop your strengths.

Always develop an exit strategy when you make a purchase.

Thanks for the tips .. is it easy to identify owners of distressed, run-down or abandoned properties? 

There's over $5 billion in developments going on in the city currently. 

Maybe @David Krulac and @Chris K. might want to give you some input.The Tax Claim Bureau (TCB) does have an obligation to notify lien holders; but that does not guarantee it happened.I would try to identify the amount of the HOA lien that this particular house had accrued; if it isn't so high it might be less expensive to pay it rather than fight.You are not entitled to any rent until you receive the deed.

They'll buy more and you'll develop a good reputation. 

@Basit Siddiqi Thanks for answering some of my questions.for a commercial loan - who would be some of the lenders that you can identify are popular amongst the investors?

The 16 unit is in a developing area and the other two are right inside trendy areas.

He says there is a 'new' sub division around the lot, near the front entrance of the gold course, but zillow is showing the newest house built around this area is 2015; time is apparently relevant.It might still be worth the effort to contact one or two of the major developers in the area to gauge any interest.