My method involves finding the owners through public records and calling them directly.  

Before easements are ordered by any court, the cost involved in allowing owner access will be assessed from all other options.

There are 20 million houses Travis That have very little equity and these houses sometimes are on quiet streets and they need no work and they are paid up so they're not in trouble, not distressedYou make money by being a problem solver for the seller and making 3 per cent as an assignment fee.What a lot of people don't realize is sellers need help but they don't understand the costs to sell with an agentCosts to sell include commissions, closing costs, sellers concessions, spruce up costs like paint and landscaping, and vacant house while the house is being sold through the agentI describe this in a long post in the starting out section of the forms, so look for that long posters a few hours involved thereBottom line here is the spring is going be really tough for real estate agents in general, and if they would focus on helping sellers selling on terms verses for cash they would make a lot more moneyAn agents would make a lot more moneyAnd buyers would get their dream home in their chosen neighborhood in their perfect school district today, not making some landlord in some crappy apartment or rental house :)

Remember when looking at value you need to look at all the factors involved - including the neighbors.  

Last year I diversified some of the funds out of real estate now that it has become overvalued.I found BP through a Google search of an under performing company I got involved with called Asset Ventures who does their best to modify delinquent second mortgages.  

Good luck...There is a lot more advice you will be given but these are the two easiest ways to get involved locally and to learn about investing. 

Question involves how to make it work with the contractor paperwork-wise.  

But there are definitely questions to ask before getting involved with a project.

Do both 50/50 sides of family have to be involved in the transaction?

@Blake BroomerWelcome fellow Pennsylvanian.It also depends on what activity that you are doing, flipping, buy and hold, rehabs, wholesale, commercial, development, etc.There are tax implications, as well as liability issues, and anonymity also.The PA Dept of State has an online file that you can check to see if the proposed name is in use.In most cases I'd recommend that the entity name not contain either you first or sur names.In any event, the best advise would be to contact a PA attorney to help decide the type of entity, your planned work and possible other parties involved.