Here are the big six (6) reasons people leave behind a vacant property: 1) "Skipped" on bills or other people 2) Drugs and alcohol 3) Incarceration 4) Severe mental & emotional problems 5) Senility 6) Death By reverse engineering each vacant property opportunity, talking to neighbors and others in the immediate community, you ought to be able to get a lead on which of the above scenario is most likely.

Love the mentality you have!

When you create a campaign that triggers a seller to take action they are now calling you the mentality is that they need you instead of you needing them, so your in control.

My solution is wrapping everyone together by utilizing a marketing strategy which encompasses multiple mail pieces which speaks to multiple social and educational mentalities. 

And you have to wait until they are "mentally" ready to part with "mom's" house.  

I work at a low level government agency where the scarcity mentality is alive and well. 

Yes a contract is an offer, acceptance and consideration (and some other stuff which is assumed like mental competence of the parties etc.)

More of a pay it forward mentality than take a Rookie for all they have.

We've kept tenants when it doesn't make financial sense, you have to follow your gut and mentally write if off as charity if need be.Are there programs she qualifies for and isn't tapping into to help her money go farther?  

Neat project.If I were to play potential buyer, taking mental notes....Drive Up:) Multi-colored brick is an acquired taste but looks in keeping with the neighborhood.)