Joseph, let's amend some of the phrasing you used and address your questions a little bit:1.

I would then create a list of builders that do new spec homes in the area (look for construction sites or new construction and look at the ownership records to find the builder)Then I'd create a mailer to those home addresses, which should be forwarded to the present homeowner address.

To address the drainage issue, we had to remove the existing concrete pad, re-grade, install proper drainage, replace rotten wood, re-pour concrete and install a small retaining wall.

I checked the tax accessors website and i have found the name of the owner but no address or phone number.

Just to follow-up on this thread since it's been resurrected I didn't end up buying this property in particular and I did buy one with a long-term tenant and I raised rent 15% and told them about items I was going to address and I had the tenant tell me something very similar to what Jason just mentioned...

Not sure how to address this.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/(undisclosed-Address)-Brooklyn-NY-11223/2111218276_zpid/

He also was an older gentleman and did not have an email address(so he says) to email comps and give him line for line what repairs were needed.

Do you feel comfortable giving us the address so we can analyze the deal for you?

One way is to check and see if the outside meters are running or if they have forwarded mail already to another address with the post office.Thomas what are you trying to do with these properties if you purchase them?