Bill Gulley refers to them as a public nuisance.

So, being a public forum about RE, and since the thread was a 'must read', I responded with my 2 cents.

This starts with a police report, which is a matter of public record. 

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

I prefer seeing an installment sale of a business entity, that can be structured hundreds of ways, it's not a real estate transactions but may have tax transaction matters and such are not made of public record until shown with the Secretary of State as officers/directors/members or  owners. :)     

@Alon Rokach Hi Alon, unfortunately by answering that question, it may be deemed as self promotional and that is against the rules of BiggerPockets when posting in the public forums.

I believe crypto is the evolution of money and any assets that make scene to permanently embed on a blockchain for public or private usage. 

@GS ThandiGet on the cmhc mailing list for your particular area’s publications.

This type of loan is generally available to individuals who own a property that has been rented out to blue chip companies, multinational companies and public sector companies.

As Joe mentioned you could go to the public, one big issue in most states (actually all, but some try to work loopholes) is facilitating sales without a license.