: Speak with neighbors, postal workers, or utility employees who may know if a homeowner has passed away or moved without selling.

: Physically scout neighborhoods for signs of neglect, such as overgrown lawns, boarded windows, or stacked-up mail.

: Check your local county tax assessor’s website for tax delinquency lists or building code violations.

Once you find a house, you must determine who holds the title:

Buying an abandoned home can be a high-reward investment, but it requires a mix of detective work and financial strategy. 1. Locate Potential Properties