does anyone know good websites with accurate info about Pre-foreclosures, absentees... properties in distress in Houston,Tx. something a little bit more user friendly than tax office

@Menachem Bresler -  I would recommend downloading info from List Source.  You can filter for your area, absentee-owners, equity-percentage and they have a red-flag for pre-foreclosure (not sure how accurate that latter is).  Download the list then you can look up contact info on several free public sites and mail/call. 
 

@Tom Shallcross Thanks!!