I do it all online- usually the assessor will have all of the property info, while the Public Trustee has the foreclosure info.

Another option, in between is that of a syndication, which could be considered a non publicly traded REIT.  

Public records will show when the owner received the pre-foreclosure notice.  

Steven,My understanding is that the SEC will not be involved unless it is a "public offering".  

Doubt they can get past the perception of over paying for rent.

Thanks Chris,I am not a pro at this and the thing that trouble me is , when you know that  you have contact with the city about this property and the last thing in the< public report> is that it< failed >, then Before you sell you don't bother to make clear those things with the city so that it don't hinder your sale?.

Public service announcement: if you are going to be a Landlord, learn how to be a Landlord now, not when the proverbial feces hits the rotating oscillator.

Public data is typically easy to access online so even FSBO's can be researched if that is a factor in your area.

Yup at Chris mentioned you will not get your answer on BP... or any other public forum.simply waltz into the city or county planning department have them pull up the parcel and see what its zoned.. they usually have hand outs that delineate the process.

This doesn't mean it was a shady act, but it is possible to "appear" to be and as they say, "perception is reality."  2.