WTB: Searching for owners of empty houses

Am not looking to buy an Akiya per se, but searching in a few specific neighborhoods where I want to own a full time residence. (couple hours from me). I have visited the area and walked neighborhoods over last year and half and a few places seem to have not changed and are empty, in different states of disrepair but not terribly old, a couple places have been cleared and cleaned up so some activity does go on.

Since I do not know anyone local I can't really expect word of mouth deals, and maybe local agents are not interested in looking this stuff up as its mostly a waste of their time if they don't make a deal but admittedly, I have not tried this route.

So wondering if any of you have experience looking these owners up and making an offer. For more info: Izu area, lots of besso, don't mind something that needs rehab, cash buyer, not looking for cheap, more so specific neighborhood/location.