It's possible but you have to be willing to learn...maybe even pay money to do that... research research research and don't get into something going off emotion or an attachment to an area, place, etc.!

Turbo skip for skip tracing your data- 15 cents a recordPULL DATA FOR NON OWNER OCCUPIED PROPERTIES - they are fellow investors and have no emotional attachemnt to their homes.OR PULL DATA OF LIENS OR UNPAID TAXES- these show financial hardships and lets you know that the owner may have motivation to sell due to financial hardship 

I think he has his place for those that are lost, buried in bad debt, lack self discipline, or those that just need a place to start to pull their financial life together.  

I'm finding some sellers are becoming emotional with their sales price and cap rates

You would find someone sometimes they just starting and they want to charge like a seasoned professional, those aren't the people for you and you need to have the discipline to walk away. 

Supply & DemandUnlike the stock market, which is largely driven by emotions in the short term, real estate prices are based on supply and demand.

The market is frothy and the deals aren't there for the picking.However, have discipline.  

Don't be emotional.

I don't let emotions getting involved.

Plus, probably lots of emotional issues for that family anyway...and you would look shady in a court going after old people who can't live on their own anymore....I like your Christmas idea and playing the Scrooge at the end of the story (after he sees the light) not the  beginning sounds the best route....