These abandoned "Blight" homes have been in the news paper, in front of city council and even had laws trying to force owners or lien holders to do something with the property.

I've been sending direct mail (yellow postcards) to absentee owners in DuPage and Kane County, over the last 5-6 months and I've been averaging a 1.2% - 1.5% response rate, which I understand to be pretty decent.  

Mike Hurney , on small scale, I've been doing my own hand written notes directly to home owners/properties I'm interested in.

I have been a home owner in Middlesex County since 2012, and I recently made the decision that I wanted to take control...

Hello, I'm wanting to get in contact with a home owner who recently just left his property he bought in 2013.

I found a "for sale by owner" willing to work with me thru owner financing.

There are dozens of "mom & pop" MFH owners out there that are aging and tired of owning their properties and have considered selling in the back of their mind.  

You will also know how many days you must return it by and what evidence is required in order to deduct the expense (receipts).Also in future purchases with inherited tenants, you will want to ask the current owner for their payment histories, estoppel certificates, etc.When it comes to working with tenants you inherit, you often have to retrain them.

1.Focus on a market or sub-market depending on size or ability to cover market2.Know as much as you can about the market, inventory in the market & build relationships with the owners/brokers of properties between 10-100 units.3.Clearly articulate your business plan and investment criteria to owners/brokersBuilding relationships and understanding the inventory in market will turn over the deals you are looking for.

The owner can have the mortgage wiped but you still have deed to property and can still foreclose and take the property.