Punch in the property address and in most cases you have the owner's name and address in seconds.A few towns (I want to say East Providence and West Warwick off the top of my head, there may be more) only list the owner's name online, but you should be able to get the owner's address if you go to the tax assessor's office in person.They usually have a special computer set up which has an alternate view into their database, which is different than the online website, and gives more complete information including the full and current owner information.

Is there a possible trenchless/pipe bursting method solution/alternative to trenching? 

Like any other cost-benefit analysis, you should ask yourself what are the alternatives? 

@Max Baker I have two rather unrelated investment strategies, although emphasis shifts from time to time as markets evolve.1) These tend to be local investors only, due to greater logistical involvement (contractors, etc):a) Buy ugly houses at wholesale price to rehab and flip (mostly inner city, but not always - as I'm doing one now in one of the aging but still desirable norther suburbs).b) Alternate exit strategy is to hold for good rental cash flow.c) Or, if not ready for another rehab (or not in my preferred locations - as I'm working on one now way out of town to assign to another investor), sometimes assign the contract for a quick cash fee.2) Buy, hold, sell new/newer homes (me and/or my investor clients) in leading-edge, fast-growth emerging suburbs for best opportunity for future appreciation (over next 5-10+ years).

Alternatively properties in the greater Nob Hill area also rent really well as they’re close enough to the University but far enough away that you won’t get cheap college students.

In that case, I would have to try cash for keys, a less costly and more efficient alternative.

I will follow up with you if I find a good alternative.

Historically, they seem UNBELIEVABLY low, but I keep seeing stuff in the 2's% on TV. 

There are a few different plan formats available, with different costs/advantages based on your intended usage.Fidelity will not handle alternative asset investments such as real estate. 

The alternative to a condo for you would be a Duplex... gives you 2 units for one loan... if one person moves out,your mortgage is still covered by the other side.