The investors do this in an effort to have the tenants pay for their own utilities...

If you have not done a rehab or fairly new, I would take a closer look to make sure on the cost of a rehab.  119K + 40K + 9% for closing 180K (16K) = You make nothing for your efforts at $180119K + 40K + 9% for closing 200K (18K)= You make 20k for your efforts less interest9% closing covers a realtor, misc. fees etc.

What does it cost roughly, any companies you recommend, and do you find it's worth the cost/effort?  

@Kiyong Kim, please keep me posted on your efforts and successes.

@Jay Hinrichs, He's from California as I, It takes a little more effort to pry info from the Assessor's Office here.

The rents are just not high enough and the effort is high for them to take on the job.

Tony V and that means you are doing it right and saving a ton of effort later - - stay the course :)

Victoria was one of PPR's first students (I believe) and seems like a genuine, solid person.For what it's worth.

That means putting in the effort to undertake a comprehensive search.

Through a little digging I've also come to find that the owner is a widow who didn't initially have any interest in the building, as it was her husband who was mostly involved with the building.The owner has made no effort at making the building better and just collects the 5 checks that come in every month, even though there is an opportunity to collect more!