I have been searching this forum but haven't found any answers. If this is a repeat question I apologize profusely.

In my area there seem to be dozens of property management companies. It also seems that these companies control all the best properties. I figure I'm fighting a losing battle here, but does anyone have suggestions on how to make contact with the actual homeowners? I made the mistake of calling about some ads and asking if the owners were interested in selling. At one company, the lady started out nice but when I asked about selling she said they don't give out the owners information and got real cold with me. The other place tried to get my information so they could "pass it along" to the owner. Right...

Am I showing my newbie status and being completely naïve?

I'm not surprised you're getting nowhere with the management companies. You are their competition. Why would they want to help you and put you in touch with the homeowners? The only way I can think of getting around them and to the homowners is to somehow get the addresses of the properties and then track down the owners through the county tax assessor's office.

Yeah, I figured it was pointless trying to go through standard channels.

I can get the addresses easy enough since most ads have them front-and-center. Anyone have experience getting names through the tax assessor? Wouldn't they be hesitant to give out that information to the public?

It depends upon the state and the county the property is located in. Most are online these days and require no human interaction. Type in an address and the owner's names appear.

Thanks MC. I bow before your supreme wisdom.

I prefer to have my ring kissed, but OK.

Eh, wouldn't you know it. My backwards county doesn't have the records online. I would either have to go down and use their books or I have to call their office and ask about each property. Maybe I can bribe someone in the office to help me out. Those county employees don't make much... lol

Call the Governator. I hear Ahhnold is a friendly guy.

HaHa My governor can beat up your governor.

I actually had lunch with him. He made a speech at our county courthouse last year and came through the DA's office where I was working. He's a big guy, and much more eloquent than I thought.