I then search the Maricopa County Assessors interactive map site to determine ownership. 

The best part is they learn how to interact with each other early.  

I am looking at low down payment owner-occupied options through a portfolio lender at 5% with PMI, that will go away once reaching 80% LTV (so will get some extra cashflow after approximately year 7).In my analysis I account for Expenses including (common utilities, taxes, property management (10%), Long term maintenance (10%), short term maintance/repairs 95), legal, misc, vacancy (7%) etc, etc.)

But once in a while, we'll have a property owner only utilize us for listing their property and finding a tenant. 

Mortgage is one expense, but there is also taxes, insurance, utilities, home owners association and repairs.

ok, now the next question would be what kind of financial options do you have to utilize?

Just am learning that landlord pays tpart of the utilities (2000 per year) so the cash flow number are much less attractive @7.1%.

Look forward to the interactions.

I have to admit I am intrigued by doing this entire flip without seeing the property because that would allow me to fully utilizing my marketing abilities to go well beyond my current city if I can outsource every step of this process. 2 weeks in and we have an assignable contract with 40K in estimated equity.

In my experience, property going up for bid by either a Marshall or sheriff is the most likely to have other liens on them, particularly IRS, property taxes and utilities.