I'm in San Diego and the SD parking Enforcement website addresses illegal parking in public areas, and vehicles abandoned on public or private property for 30 days, but if they're living in it for that time I wouldn't think it would be abandoned.

@Keleen Culberson Raising Private Capital by Matt Faircloth (a BP publication) is a great read.

Update:  I shopped around a lot, and was able to secure 4.00% when my regular lender was robbing me at 4.37%. 

Trusts create this anonymity by removing your name from public record.

4-If the town maintains it then it is most likely considered a street or alley and has been "given" to the town, which makes it "public" property, even though it could be a private alley.

the way im structuring things is everything is tied into a security deposit.

@Horacio Gutierrez Like some mentioned, using Venmo is a very popular and secure way for people to transfer money instantly on their phones.

Do I just find the owner of rental properties through public records and contact them or is there another way?

They already gave you their social security number, birth date, income, kids' names, criminal background check authorization, etc... and they think a quick head-poke inside the front door is intrusive? 

On residential some banks will provide a working capital deposit at closing that you can use for plans, permits, etc, but they will not release the first draw until the permit has been secured.