BiggerPockets

i've checked out most of the threads regarding absentee owners and i've contacted a lot title companies here in chicago and no one knows what i'm talking about i talked to the people in my county tax office, recorder of deeds etc no one know what i'm talking about i know about listsource and the other list source but i'm trying to find free ways of getting the list

that sound like it might work it is online in Chicago, but but as far as to where to look i'm still fuzzing on, i search the county assessors website, the recorder of deeds website and the treasurers tax website, and i'm confused on how to pull that info with out going down there

inquire at your next REIA meeting

Cook county recorder does have an online search, but its pretty useless. The information available is minimal. I messed with it for a bit, but didn't see how to get actually addresses or owner information.

There is a phone number, though, so you could just call them and ask if there is some way to search ownership information for (for example) some neighborhood and then get the addresses of the owners.

You may have to go to the recorder's office in person. Sometimes more information is available there than online.

These online systems are ALWAYS obtuse. I've looked at a bunch, and have never seen two that were alike. The information available varies widely, and Cook county looks likes its toward the bottom in terms of data available.

A title company may have more data available. If you're actually closed a transaction with one, try calling them and asking. If not, just start dialing.

Ultimately, you may just have to fork over a few hundred bucks and buy a list.

Hi Al,

I live in Dallas, Texas and I use the Dallas, County appraisal district website to find absentee owners. Go to the site of the Cook County Appraisal district. You can search by neigborhood or owner on the website. Do what Jon said, look for owners that live at another address in the city or out of state. It will require some work, but it is free.

I vote for buying a compiled list with the correct absentee filters from listsource.. Heck theyre only +-.20 cents a name.

I know how valuable money is however how valuable is your time and more importantly how valuable is having hte information fast.

If youre wanting a general absentee farm most title/escrow companies will "Give" that info to you for the opportunity of doing business. It may take an introduction and creating contacts.

The huge issue is that with a farm you wont get the one filter you need which is an equity base.

If youre a sub2 or Lease Option investor youll want properties 80-95 LTV. If youre a flipper or wholesaler youll want 30-100 equity. If youre wanting Shorts then youll want 125% LTV or greater.

Good Hunting

Just another thought. Until recently, I was an unlicensed assistant to my investor friend who had her realtor's license. I pulled leads and looked up comps for her in exchange for the position, which gave me MLS access.

You can look up almost *anything* only the MLS. I could spend hours just looking on there for fun, and even came up with new marketing targets from getting to know the system. But yes, you could easily find AOs through the MLS system (and I think most have that search option).

Sigh. We moved recently and I miss my access!

Al

You can't expect a sax player to be trusted with MLS info can you? Get your photo taken with a violin.

OK serious and apologies to Cannon Ball Adderley, I don't know Chicago, but I assume the home of Chicago title has some title companies about. Go see a sales rep at one, not an escrow officer and they will often burn a disc for you. Just be sure to send some biz their way when you can as thanks.

But if not you can often buy a list from the county for a fair price.