New Investor Trying to Buy Vacant Property

New Investor Trying to Buy Vacant Property

Charleston, SC · Member since 2014 · 3 posts · 0 votes

I am a new investor and I have been looking at two properties that I think I might want to start my real estate investing career with. There is a problem however, the houses have been vacant for some time and I am willing to do the rehab work if it is worth it, and I have researched and found that there is no mortgage on either property and they are owned free and clear. However, I cannot find their owners, I have found the deeds and know their names but I cannot find a current address so I can contact them to see if they want to sell the properties. The taxes are being paid so they are owned. If anyone has ever dealt with vacant properties, I could really use some advice on finding someway to contact the rightful owners in order to see if they are willing to sell. Please help! One of these houses may be a great first deal.

Thanks,

Erin

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Charleston, SC · Member since 2013 · 380 posts · 157 votes
11y

Usually I can just look in the tax records and then google the name and variations of it.  It works more often than not.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Weehawken, NJ · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 704 votes
    11y

    @Erin S. 

    Welcome!

    You may be able to save yourself some trouble. If you are buying vacants for investment, I would do a quick search to make sure the area is livable, if so, what are people paying for rent.

    I wouldn't buy a vacant in Detroit, for instance, because I am not sure I would ever find a tenant. Make sure the vacancies have to do with the condition of the homes and not of the neighborhood.

  • Charleston, SC · Member since 2014 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    11y

    Thank you for your reply, however, I live in Charleston, SC and the downtown area is booming and the houses are on one of the streets that are being revitalized. For the past 5-10 years streets are being revitalized one at a time. This street is one of the ones that are being worked on. Several houses down a completely new house is being built. If you know of any way that I can find the owners or maybe you know someone that knows a way, I would really appreaciate the input.

    Thank you,

    Erin

  • Flipper/Rehabber · Mount Pleasant, SC · Member since 2013 · 547 posts · 235 votes
    11y

    I have contact info for 2 local "skip tracers" in Charleston.  They are specialized private investigators who can/will dig up contact info for a small fee.  PM me and I will rummage through my notes and send you contact info.  

    There are also multiple online services that will find current phone numbers for you.  I have used "Intelos" to find the number for the owner of a house off Morrison Drive in Charleston.

  • Charleston, SC · Member since 2013 · 380 posts · 157 votes
    11y

    Usually I can just look in the tax records and then google the name and variations of it.  It works more often than not.

  • Real Estate Investor · Los Gatos, CA · Member since 2014 · 226 posts · 89 votes
    11y

    My $0.02 and also as Trevor said, if they are vacant, there must be a reason and usually it's not a good one. That's a red flag that the area is not livable. Check crime and boarded properties on that block and see how many are being advertised as vacant and monitor for few weeks if those vacancies fill up or not. Don't buy a dead asset.

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