I've also been driving around just looking for homes that look distressed or abandoned, and will be sending them letters or postcards or something.

I didn't put the addresses because I didn't read all the blog rules and didn't want to seem like I was advertising for any body.

There are people like me who call you out and remove your litter, deliberately depriving you of your advertising in the process and making your life a nightmare. 

In the process of getting business financing so if everything pans out, I'll begin to advertise deals.

A lot of times banks don't advertise some products so I would probably have to call them to get more information about it but I figured I'd ask if they are national before I called.

Call it, and see what happens.For example, I found a house in Downers Grove which has been abandoned long enough that DuPage County sold the 2014 taxes already - the 2015 taxes have not yet been paid (1st half).

There are two hotels in town and they are not cheap to stay at so you may have a niche here if advertised properly.I have seen seen properties advertised on the MLS for as little as $1,000 for a week and more during memorial day and labor day weekends.There are plenty of two family homes available for sale and plenty more that can be converted so you and the family can stay here and relax and still make money in the process from renters occupying the second unit.Another market you may want to consider is the North Fork of Long Island is another great place as the vineyards are open year round and in the later winter months they have Jazz on the Vine to drum up some business. 

@Sheryl S.I use the following agency for my properties which include one which is abandoned and another that has tenants.

Advertising your contract on a property IS legal.

Because you're still showing a property you do not own legally.However, if you learn how to close a deal in your name and then sell and you can show a pattern of buying and selling,I doubt any regulator would violently object if your buyers were asking that you add a deck, new cabinets and appliances while specifying colors.......but technically, you are not to  advertise or show real estate that you do not have legal title to;  exceptions, acting as a licensed agent, estate settlements by the administrator/executor or with a power of attorney under specific directions and not for profit.....states may vary.