I should I ask them for the homeowner name or do they care and its public informtaion.

I'd drop every single elected official and or public servant who I have spoken to thus far in the grease if they haven't really tried to help.

What do I look for in the public records to find distressed properties?

This plan is a public document available for review at any time.

The North Dakota State University Extension service has developed a publication Determining Insulation and Air Infiltration Levels Using an Infrared Thermometer that describes the process of evaluating your home for heat leaks."

What about public areas like street intersections?

The deals on shell cabins are great but my due diligence is showing there'd be a lot of costs associated with doing (either) solar/public electric; well/public water; septic; etc. 

All public information. 

The facts are that while you'll predominantly pay at least 500K for a triple-deckers that's in not-so-great conditions, rents start at around 2K based off proximity to public transit and LOCATION alone.

You have to find the deals before they go public The last one is the tricky one but it can be done.