Becoming efficient in google maps will save you a ton of time in creating a mailing list.If you just do a general list to commercial properties, the USPS Direct Mailer program (EDDM) allows you to select the exact mail routes which would include your targeted commercial properties.  

While it may not be 100% foolproof, many (or almost all) of the tenant travails, travesties, and disasters that you read about can be prevented with proper tenant selection.

That is an impressive start to an investing career!

Any tips for efficiently finding, vetting, and selecting these folks?

I get the impression that many are not even pulling permits Please share you experienceThank you

Having been down the road you're currently on I highly recommend just selecting a city/place and sticking to it.

If anyone would like to hear more details about the experience or how I selected the property, I would be happy to discuss.

Most people go after the income side, but when you selectively target your highest cost expenses, achieving FI becomes that much more achievable. 

@Chris Tracy That's the impression I've always gathered.

You can find information about the properties to be auctioned at this link:  http://webapps.sirote.com/foreclosure/default.aspx (you will have to go to the second page and select the date and the county)  It will also indicate beginning bid amounts and the time the auction starts, although once the auction starts, you will find that the auctioneer is very flexible.