FOIA Strategy Does it Work? Your Experience?

[Gunnar Linden]

A retired builder I was talking with the other day (close friends father). He mentioned a lot about using FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) to search for liens, judgement etc. He said I would need to get a licence in F.O.I.A. Is this a valid way to find distressed home owners? He made it sound as this was a great way to find property (We were drinking at his sons wedding so I hope this is relevant). I have heard of searching for delinquent tax list through the county, direct mailing, driving for dollars, absentee owner list, but never thought about asking the city for a whole list of liens. I assume the city could only provide a list of municipality, or tax liens through a F.O.I.A. request? )

I have my first rental unit almost ready to be rented and in 4-6 months I will be searching for my next property.

Thank you BP.