I haven't found much of value after a move out or an eviction (well, my son and I once found a packet of what we assumed were drugs and I suppose the tenant would have found that of value but we presented the stuff to our local police instead) but I am a big one on recycling intact furniture to our local Habitat and Catholic Social Services organizations to avoid good stuff ending up in the landfill and donating canned goods to our local soup kitchen. 

Department of Health and Human Services along with the local state Department of Social Services.

Usually, $40k is too small but see what their minimums are for the properties you are targeting.

Why "history" matters I don't have a clue since it seems like a straight purchase and sale, maybe their time or information is that precious.Other posts shine rays of light and say it is possible to find lenders willing to show their inventory with enough outreach.I'm targeting Ohio and maybe a couple other states depending on how many calls I might need to make.

It's so big that I think if you can get more specific it will help you target a property easier.  

If both strategies produce your target results, then neither are wrong.  

Create social media pages for your Bnb, and encourage guests to take pictures to post on your page.  

You’ll also see that various potential investors will start reaching you out regarding investment opportunities once they see you posting regularly about Real Estate on your social media.

what are the states/cities, I should target?

Totally a moving target.