There are a number of rent collection websites that make the process super easy. 

If you are truly concerned about the legitimacy of this "bank" you could look them up see the size of there portfolio on the fdic website. 

@Kris JohnsonBP decided to delete the links to my blog (on my website).You can find my BP-approved blogs below.

Tim Ivory in my experience the values listed on a tax accessor website are less than what it’d be worth to sell.

We estimate that the remodel will be $230,000 because of the high-end finish, and the transformation from a 1,200 SQFT home into a 2500 SQFT home.

There's already a ton of finished condos sitting empty. 

Then. my county has a website that has the deed and contact information for the owner of the property.

I would go on my county’s tax assessors website to get an idea.

(I'm in the bay area and all I have as of now is a website and social media.)

The basement is unfinished, but is only about 3 feet below grade, and has front and rear entrances, full-size windows, and high ceilings (we would not need to dig out the basement when we finish it).