I don't think "keep digging" is particularly helpful advice whether hunting for gold, oil or missing owners.What I've found is that you have to combine art and science to prioritize your efforts to be effective.As a new opportunity detective, I suggest you reorganize your efforts and eliminate any property you determine is bank owned.

Hi Emmanuel,As a frenchman, former oil and gas industry professional being paid in far away countries, and long time investor in Houston, Texas, I understand the challenges related to fitting in the box of US lenders.

Of course, there are several heavy oil producing countries, such as Venezuela and Russia, who need high crude oil prices to sustain their weak economies.  

I’m currently in the oil field working and saving while I try and get into real estate.

I know that there's stuff in one of the recent treaties signed by Hillary that allows the U.N. to get payments for oil and gas that is drilled off our shores.

I approach Armando about proving his snake oil will work in the real world, and he started to sweat, and he tried to find an exit.Joe Gore

I don't change the oil in my car.

So are oil and gas ventures and businesses that you own but do not run or manage.If you think that CD's are passive and are a means to financial freedom, you are sadly mistaken.

A car can be burning oil but still getting you from point A to point B.  

Remember, it isn't only the gurus who get a black eye for the actions of the slick snake-oil guys, it is also ALL real estate investors.I've had some people get angry at me because they believe that BiggerPockets is decidedly anti-guru . . . we're pro-investor.