If a property appears neglected or vacant as @Ned Carey predicted, I check an online tax lien site, the auditors' site to estimate how much equity they may have, the scheduled sheriff sales site where the plaintiff is a clue to which are probably tax lien sales, and the Clerk of Courts which shows other foreclosure actions, judgments, etc.

A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action.

In my county it's less than $80 to file against one tenant.Sometimes that's the only "revenge" a landlord has with a tenant who views a lease in the same light as toilet paper.Gail

It incited me into action, but cautiously.Likely without that exposure, I would have let my fear command me and would not be taking steps to try real estate investing.

There have already been a lot of good suggestions so I'll just add my piece of advice for someone new to REI; stay active, take action, and never give up.

There is no substitute for action backed up by a well-thought-out plan.  

Banks are settling rather than bearing the costs of continuing with the foreclosure action.

If you are serious about taking action and not just romancing the idea of being an investor, then you could, as mentioned earlier, use credit card financing for all or part of the purchase price.

Take MASSIVE action.

They're full of actionable content.Happy Investing