For example, when interest rates were 15% (can’t even imagine) people still invested in real estate and were profitable, right?

I grew up in a family that taught me to go to college, study something useful, and get a job... and I did... and I can't imagine being more unhappy with the result.

It is an amazing place to be, and honestly, I could not imagine there will ever be a better place for like-minded people to chat and meet. 

I imagine any attorney is going to want money when you occupy their time.

Difficult to imagine I know.

Imagine 2 plates with food on them.

I would imagine both positions were stayed via the bankruptcy and neither got a release and pursued collections during or after the BK plan completed (if it did).  

Nowadays I can look up the owner online then typically use Facebook or other site to send them a message or even get their cell number.I see 4 primary ways to contact:Knock on their doorMail a letterPhone callOnline message (Facebook, etc)I imagine the conversation or note saying something like "Hi, I am a real estate investor looking to buy properties in your area and I noticed that your home is listed for sale.  

I'd imagine it's not easy to make money on them since most of your clients aren't wealthy are doing it for love of the craft. the real money would be in building out these theater or studio spaces, but as a rental you won't expect great upswings in your cash flow but you would be likely immune to downturns in the market

I would imagine they have lost so much money that they would rather just sit there instead of fix it up.